Tottenham are seemingly looking to replace Joao Palhinha in their squad next season.
Ahead of Roberto De Zerbi‘s first full season in charge, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be in the transfer market for midfield reinforcements amid the uncertain futures of Yves Bissouma and Joao Palhinha.
Bissouma is out of contract at the end of the season and unlikely to get an extension from the club, while the North Londoners do not appear to be in favour of turning Palhinha’s loan into a permanent move. Plus, Pape Matar Sarr has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane. As a result, Spurs would need to add to their midfield ranks when the transfer window reopens.
Recent reports have suggested that Tottenham are keeping tabs on Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki. The 21-year-old has been among the impressive performers for Sunderland since joining the club from Belgian side Union SG on a five-year contract last summer. The DR Congo international has made 29 appearances for the Black Cats to date, including 27 starts in the Premier League. However, Spurs aren’t the only club keen on his services.
Chelsea to rival Tottenham for Sunderland midfielder
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are exploring a summer move for Noah Sadiki. They are set to rival Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United for the central midfielder’s services, having held fresh talks with the player’s representatives last week.
Sunderland are extremely happy with the 21-year-old’s performances and want to keep him at the club. He is one of the core members of Regis Le Bris’ squad, yet the report adds that the Black Cats’ resolve could be tested by offers in the region of £60 million.
Chelsea can offer European football
Chelsea’s form has fallen off a cliff, losing their last four league games. Despite that, the Pensioners remain in a position to qualify for Europe, if not Champions League football. They can offer European football to Sadiki, alongside a project to develop and hone his skills under Liam Rosenier. That is considerably a more appealing proposition than what Tottenham can currently guarantee.
This makes the Blues better placed than Tottenham to win the race for the Congolese talent’s signature. For Tottenham, the Sadiki situation is another reminder of how intensely relegation would damage their prospects to attract the highly-regarded talents De Zerbi requires to build the squad.
Sadiki is not just an enforcer who likes to break up play, but more of a system player. He is good technically, can distribute well, carry the ball efficiently and keep possession under pressure. If signed, the Sunderland man would be an upgrade on Bissouma.
For now, though, Chelsea holding talks with the player’s representatives does not blow the Lilywhites out of the race, but it does give them a clear edge over us.