Union Saint-Gilloise's Noah Sadiki in action. (REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw)
Sunderland are enjoying a standout summer following their return to the Premier League.
While the club bid farewell to Jobe Bellingham—who followed his brother Jude in making the move to Borussia Dortmund—the Black Cats have wasted no time making waves of their own in the transfer market.
They’ve already secured the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fée from AS Roma, one of their top performers from last season, and are on the verge of bringing in experienced defender Reinildo following his release by Atlético Madrid. Just days ago, the club also wrapped up a club-record deal for Habib Diarra.
Diarra, a 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder from RC Strasbourg, has signed a five-year contract despite having offers from several major clubs.
In his first words as a Sunderland player, Diarra was clear about his intentions.
“I’m happy and excited to become a Black Cat, and I can’t wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans,” he said. “I guarantee that I’ll give everything for this team and fight for these colors in the Premier League.”
Sunderland Agree Deal for Sadiki
Fresh off the back of Diarra’s arrival, Sunderland have struck again. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club has agreed a deal to sign Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki.
Sadiki is expected to sign a five-year contract after completing his medical, with Sunderland paying an initial £15 million and an additional £2.5 million in performance-based add-ons.
A versatile player who operates primarily as a central midfielder but can also cover at right-back, Sadiki brings depth and flexibility to the squad. The 20-year-old DR Congo international had attracted interest from Leeds United, Brentford, and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt before choosing Wearside.
His style has drawn high praise. The Athletic’s Sebastian Stafford-Bloor described Sadiki as: “A sturdy, dependable ball-winner, but an artisan in possession with a cultured passing range.”
With their recruitment drive continuing at full pace, Sunderland are building a squad not just ready to survive in the Premier League—but to thrive.
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