Sunderland beat rivals to signing of midfielder Noah Sadiki.
NOAH Sadiki said he was sold by Sunderland’s exciting vision for the future as well as the size of the club after the midfielder put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Black Cats.
Sadiki follows Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra through the door at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland’s squad continues to come together ahead of the coming Premier League season.
Sunderland will pay Royale Union Saint-Gilloise initial fee of £15m for Sadiki, plus £2.5m in potential add-ons, with the Black Cats fighting off fierce competition from elsewhere, including Leeds United, for the versatile 20-year-old.
Despite his age, Sadiki has already made more than 140 senior appearances, playing for Anderlecht’s first team before moving to Union SG, where he won the Belgian title and featured prominently in the Europa League last season.
Sadiki said: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to Sunderland.
“The owner wanted to talk to me after the research they had done on me.
“This is a huge club, but what convinced me was speaking to the people. They spoke about the history, what they want to build, and their belief in the part that I can play.
“I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field.
“This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”
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Sadiki also had a one-on-one conversation with Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris as he was weighing up his many options this summer.
He said: “I talked with him and he convinced me to come to Sunderland. These kinds of people like to get involved a lot. I look forward to working with him because his playing style fits my style of play.”
Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director, said: “Noah’s enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.
“During his time at USG, he’s played in domestic and European competitions regularly, and the Premier League is a natural next step in his promising career.
“Our interest in acquiring his talents was long-standing, and we believe our culture and playing identity will enable him to thrive. He’s excited to be here, and we look forward to supporting him as he settles in Sunderland.”
Sadiki’s former club Union SG will play in the Champions League this season but the midfielder – who is also comfortable playing at centre-back or right-back – felt the time was right to move on.
He said: “My achievements [in Belgium] shaped me a lot because it wasn’t easy to win the trophies. I think Union SG has brought me a lot and it’s thanks to them that I am here right now.
“I want to thank them and wish them all the luck in the Champions League. This team deserves it 90 years after winning the title.
“I am now ready for a new challenge.”
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