Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
A £17.5 million star who turned down the chance to join Leeds United in the summer transfer window is now attracting interest from rival Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
Daniel Farke and Leeds endured a frustrating transfer window as he watched his side miss out on a succession of transfer targets.
Leeds had ambitious plans following their return to the Premier League, but a series of setbacks, including their failure to land exciting forward Igor Paixao, meant there was a lingering sense of annoyance among the fans.
One of the first targets Leeds missed out on was midfielder Noah Sadiki, who rejected the chance to move to Elland Road, signing for Sunderland instead.
Now, Sunderland are also in danger of losing Sadiki after his impressive start to life with the club has caught the eye of two heavyweight Premier League rivals.
Joel Piroe in action for Leeds United
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Manchester United targeting deal for ex-Leeds United target Noah Sadiki
According to Sky Sports CH journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea are both lining up a move for former Leeds target Sadiki.
Tavolieri states that the pair of clubs are preparing for an ambush on Sunderland and that Chelsea have already enquired about his future availability.
He writes: “Chelsea acted immediately after the Black Cats’ last match against the Blues on October 25th, contacting Sunderland to enquire about the asking price for the young talent. This direct approach is a sign of the very serious interest from Stamford Bridge.
“But Chelsea aren’t alone. Manchester United have long had Sadiki in their sights: the Red Devils had already approached the player’s representatives at the start of the season, proof that the situation is being closely monitored.
“Looking for a midfielder, United could turn to Sadiki if signing [Carlos] Baleba [of Brighton] proves too expensive.”
Noah Sadiki in action for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Leeds United miss out on potential PSR windfall in double Noah Sadiki blow
Although a fee of £17.5 million would have made the Congolese midfielder one of Leeds’ most expensive signings of the summer, news of Man Utd and Chelsea’s interest compounds the blow of missing out on Sadiki’s signature.
Sadiki has caught the eye on Wearside so far this season, starting a total of 15 games for the Black Cats in the Premier League, and achieving an average FotMob rating of 6.92.
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Daniel Farke managing Leeds United away to Manchester City
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However, with two of the biggest clubs in the division ready to battle it out for his signature, Leeds are set to miss out on another benefit of bringing him to the club.
It appears likely that Sunderland will be able to turn a significant profit on the midfielder if this interest crystallises into a formal bid. With Leeds pushing the limits of their PSR position, they have missed out on a tidy trading profit on the player.