Sunderland are proving to be a real thorn in Leeds United’s side. Over the past week, the fellow newly-promoted side have signed two players ahead of Daniel Farke’s men.
Going into the 2025-26 Premier League season, there is certainly a feeling that of the three promoted sides, Sunderland had the weakest squad. Well, Regis Le Bris is certainly looking to change that now.
The Frenchman, along with Sunderland’s transfer team, seem to be going through Leeds’ shortlist and pipping The Whites to some key targets. The first was Habib Diarra, who Sunderland have confirmed.
Leeds made two bids for Diarra, the second of which was £23.9m. But Diarra has joined Sunderland in a massive £35m deal. Then, Atletico Madrid star Reinildo Mandava was confirmed as joining Sunderland.
Regis Le Bris during Sunderland vs Coventry City.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Sunderland strike third dagger in Leeds’ transfer hearts
Leeds had held talks to sign Mandava along with Sunderland, but The Black Cats have convinced the Mozambique international to move to the Stadium of Light. Now, a third Leeds target is off to Wearside.
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri and French journalist Santi Aouna broke the news that Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki is set to join Sunderland. Fabrizio Romano immediately confirmed it.
Noah Sadiki of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise playing vs KRC Genk
Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
It comes after Sadiki had been strongly linked with a move to Leeds, and The Yorkshire Evening Post even confirming interest in Sadiki. Leeds tabled a £12m bid for the Belgian title winner, which was rejected.
But Romano, among others, report: “EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland agree deal to sign Noah Sadiki here we go! Agreement done and medical done, contract valid until June 2030. Transfer fee: €17m plus €3m add-ons.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland agree deal to sign Noah Sadiki from Union Saint Gilloise, here we go!
Agreement done and medical done this morning, contract valid until June 2030.
Transfer fee: €17m plus €3m add-ons. pic.twitter.com/GaGisO2IEz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2025
View Tweet
It is Habib Diarra all over again as Leeds remain stubborn
The reason Leeds lost out to Sunderland in the race to sign Diarra is that The Whites did not want to pay over the odds for the Senegal star. They wanted to pay a certain fee, and would not do a deal otherwise.
That seems to be the case regarding DR Congo international Sadiki, too. Given Leeds offered £12m – and Brentford around £13.5m – for Sadiki, Sunderland have now struck a deal that is worth north of £17m.
The difference is staggering. Leeds are only willing to spend money when they believe it is value for money, while Sunderland are splashing the cash and getting the job done – even if they are overpaying.
The success, or lack of success of each approach will be determined at the end of the season and their place in the Premier League. One thing is for sure, Sunderland had to do more to improve than Leeds.