Expert claims 'perfect' Sunderland star is 'not staying' at club amid transfer speculation

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki will not be “staying” at the club for long if he continues on his current trajectory, according to one expert.

The DR Congo international has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the Black Cats’ stellar Premier League campaign thus far, establishing himself as a key member of Regis Le Bris’ starting XI ever since he signed from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise this summer.

To that end, reports have already surfaced suggesting that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring his progress on Wearside, with claims that either club could look to pry him away from the Stadium of Light sooner rather than later.

And one person who is not surprised by the sudden upswing in interest surrounding Sadiki is analyst Filip Joos. Speaking to Sporza, the expert heaped praise on the 21-year-old for his recent form, as well as stating that a high profile transfer feels like an inevitability at this stage.

He said: “He’s the same player everywhere. I think that’s a tremendous quality. That’s the guy from Union, and he’s playing at a higher level. And in a tougher league, he plays exactly the same. He doesn’t lose 5% of his former self out of fear, out of ‘I have to pay attention here’, or out of respect. Nothing. He’s not staying at Sunderland, is he? He’s the perfect solution for a lot of teams.”

What has Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said about Noah Sadiki transfer links?

In a recent press conference, Sunderland head coach Le Bris was quizzed on Sadiki’s future at the club, and was quick to quell any speculation over a prospective exit any time soon.

On Manchester United and Chelsea’s mooted interest, he said: “It's positive for us. It doesn't mean Noah will leave. He's a good player, a strong player for Sunderland. It means we're doing well with young players and more experienced players as well. That's the market.”

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What did Noah Sadiki say about Sunderland’s win vs Newcastle United?

For his part, Sadiki seems to be enjoying life on Wearside. Speaking to Viaplay, when asked if Sunday’s Wear-Tyne Derby victory over Newcastle United was his best experience in a red and white shirt so far, he said: “For now, yes. It was a really heated game, but it was pleasant to play, but we won at the end so it was perfect. It was crazy. It was really crazy. The intensity was on point. The supporters were amazing again, and we did our job on the pitch, so... Perfect day at the office.

“It’s like a final when we play against them. When we came out on the pitch, we knew what we had to do and we did it well, I think. They [the fans] live for it. They live for it with their full heart, and we live for it as well. And that’s why you want to play football, to give them emotions and to give yourself emotions. I think, first of all, it’s pleasure. If you don’t take pleasure, you don’t have to play football for me.”

Sadiki will now jet off to participate in the African Cup of Nations with DR Congo, potentially ruling him out of club action until mid-January, with Saturday’s upcoming clash against Brighton and Hove Albion being the first match that he and several of his teammates will miss.

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