Midfielder Noah Sadiki has explained why he snubbed interest from Leeds United in favour of a move to Sunderland. The DR Congo international joined the Black Cats from Belgian outfit Union Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last week, moving to England for a fee that could eventually reach £17.5 million in the future.
It is well-documented that Sadiki was on the Whites' list of transfer targets. In a fresh interview with continental outlet Nieuwsblad, the 20-year-old has claimed he was the subject of a transfer bid from United.
Opening up on his move to Wearside, Sadiki said: "I immediately realised 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."
United are in the process of finalising a £12m deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. Hoffenheim ace Anton Stach is also another player of interest as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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