Sunderland completes £15 million deal for Belgian Pro League star Noah Sadiki, according to sources.
Sunderland have finalized the signing of highly rated midfielder Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise for up to £17.5 million, according to The Athletic.
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland paying an initial cost of £15 million plus a further £2.5 million in potential add-ons. Sadiki becomes the Black Cats’ second important acquisition this summer, following the club-record arrival of Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.
Sadiki is a dynamic midfielder who has made rapid progress in the Belgian Pro League over the last two seasons. After breaking through at Anderlecht under former manager Vincent Kompany, the Kinshasa-born player joined Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, where Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has a big stake.
Since then, he has established himself as a key member of Union SG, helping the club win the Belgian Cup in 2023-24 and the league title this season. His achievements earned him a spot on the Belgian Pro League Team of the Year and drew the interest of various clubs throughout Europe.
Sadiki has sparked major transfer interest in recent years. During his tenure at Turf Moor, Kompany wanted to bring him to Burnley, and Ligue 1 club Lyon was also interested in signing him last summer. Leeds United, Brentford, and Wolfsburg have recently been linked with the player.
Sunderland took decisive action to meet Union SG’s asking price, and the midfielder is now scheduled to join Régis Le Bris’ team ahead of their pre-season training camp in Portugal later this month. Although Sadiki is mainly regarded as a central midfielder, he has also played consistently at right-back, giving Le Bris greater tactical options heading into the Premier League season. He is likely to battle for a spot in Sunderland’s midfield with Diarra and Dan Neil, while also providing defensive backup for Trai Hume.
Sadiki matches Sunderland’s continuing recruitment strategy: a young player with room for growth but already extensive first-team experience in top-flight football. Despite his age, he has already made over 80 senior games and is a full international for DR Congo, having made his debut earlier this year.
The move confirms Sunderland’s desire to not just survive in the Premier League, but also to construct a squad with long-term worth. The club’s model, which focuses on sustainability and development, has played a key role in its recent journey from League One to the top flight.
More acquisitions are expected in the coming weeks, with a left-sided central defender and another goalkeeper being top goals before the group flies for Portugal on July 15. Sadiki is the latest addition to Sunderland’s vibrant and youthful roster, as the club continues to invest in players with instant impact and future promise.
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