Chelsea & Man Utd Battle for Noah Sadiki Transfer, Sunderland Set £45m Price Tag
Ben McAleer
Chelsea and Manchester United are both keen on signing Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki in the summer transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.
Sadiki has been a revelation for the Black Cats since joining from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last summer.
And his performances for Sunderland haven’t gone unnoticed, with the Premier League duo both keeping tabs on the DR Congo international.
Sadiki to replace Fernandez?
Chelsea have concerns over Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge after the Argentine talked up a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The Argentine, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023, is pushing for a summer switch to the Bernabeu, though the Blues will want to recoup the £107m they paid to sign the midfielder.
The west London side also have worries over Romeo Lavia’s long-term future given the Belgian’s injury issues.
However, any move for a new midfielder will be dependent on who takes over the Stamford Bridge reins later this year.
Chelsea made the decision to relieve Liam Rosenior of his managerial duties last month, with Calum McFarlane handed the role on an interim basis until the end of the season.
United prepared to battle Chelsea for Black Cats star
Even so, should Chelsea pursue their interest in Sadiki, then United will likely rival the Blues in the race to sign the 21-year-old.
United are expected to prioritise the midfield this summer as they prepare for Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s likely departure.
Michael Carrick’s side have been linked with a host of high-profile midfielders, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Adam Wharton, of Real Madrid and Crystal Palace respectively, believed to be on the club’s wishlist.
Sadiki is another that United may target in their bid to strengthen a key area.
Sadiki wouldn't come cheap
Sunderland, meanwhile, would demand a hefty fee for Sadiki should they consider cashing in on one of their prized assets.
The Black Cats parted with a reported £15m to sign Sadiki last year, the midfielder penning a five-year deal in the process, with Sunderland expected to demand upwards of £45m to entertain his sale.
Sadiki is set to represent DR Congo at the World Cup this summer after the African nation defeated Jamaica 1-0 in their playoff clash in March, securing their spot at football’s showpiece for the first time since 1974.
