Sunderland signed Noah Sadiki last week
The 20-year-old joined the Black Cats from Belgian outfit Union Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last week, arriving in England for a fee that could eventually reach £17.5 million in the future.
But in a fresh interview with continental outlet Nieuwsblad, the midfielder has confirmed that alongside Sunderland, he was also the subject of a bid from newly-promoted Leeds too.
What has Noah Sadiki said about his Sunderland transfer?
Reflecting on his arrival on Wearside, and the series of events that led to his transfer, Sadiki said: "I immediately realized that I had ended up in a whole new world here. The transfer was leaked on July 2nd and I knew two days earlier that there was interest. Before that I tried to put my phone aside as much as possible, because more and more rumours were circulating. I was actually just waiting for the redeeming phone call from my agent. Eventually he explained to me that Sunderland were interested in my profile and I had a meeting with the board. And from then on I was sold.
"The name of Wolfsburg was going around, but I never spoke to the board of that club. In fact, I only spoke to the people of Sunderland, Frankfurt and Leeds, who also made an offer. My choice for Sunderland is also a kind of bet with myself. I want to know what it feels like to play in the best league in the world and see where I stand against better teams."
Speaking about his growth as a player since leaving boyhood side Anderlecht, Sadiki added: "I definitely made a lot of progress last season. The Noah Sadiki who left Anderlecht is no longer the same as the one who left Union. They are two completely different players. I left Anderlecht with feelings of revenge and wanted to prove that I could handle the level of 1A, but now I am leaving more through the big gate, because I think I have proven and won everything in Belgium. Although of course we now have to wait and see what the training sessions at Sunderland will bring."
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
Sadiki continued: “Just before I left [Union SG], I went to training again and reiterated how proud I was to have been part of this team. And afterward, some people teased me a bit about my choice for Sunderland. Especially Ross Sykes, who's a Newcastle fan, Sunderland's big rivals. Although they mostly said my transfer was deserved.
“It was clear to me that I would leave. Before the season, I'd already spoken to [sporting director] Chris O'Loughlin about it. He told me I could leave after the season if I confirmed, which I believe I did. And although some people tried to convince me after last season with the Champions League argument, they couldn't change my mind.”
Continue Reading