Noah Sadiki snubs Leeds to sign for Sunderland – here’s why
Leeds and Sunderland have been battling each other all transfer window over potential signings.
Daniel Farke lost out to the Black Cats earlier this July, as Habib Diarra moved to the Stadium of Light.
This was quickly followed up a few days later when Noah Sadiki joined Sunderland over the Yorkshire club.
Rumours had suggested that Leeds bid for Sadiki in June, but this proved to be in vain when the midfielder arrived at their relegation rivals.
Now, the 20-year-old has explained his decision to join the Black Cats.
Sadiki’s decision to join Sunderland is a ‘bet with himself’
Sadiki could have easily been a top player at Leeds United if the transfer had gone through.
Previously at Belgian side Union St. Gilloise, he helped the club win the league title last season for the first time since 1935.
The versatile midfielder was central to this success, as he played 55 times in all competitions.
Now, the 20-year-old has spoken to Nieuwsblad (9 July) about his move to the Black Cats.
Here, the midfielder explained why he decided to move to the Stadium of Light over Elland Road, as he confirmed that Leeds had lodged a bid for him.
He said: “Wolfsburg’s name was being bandied about, but I never spoke to their board.
“In fact, I only spoke with people from Sunderland, Frankfurt, and Leeds, who had also submitted a bid.
“Choosing Sunderland is also a kind of bet with myself. I want to know what it’s like to play in the best league in the world and see where I stand against better teams.”
Leeds need to show why joining Sunderland was a mistake this summer
With the season starting next month, Farke and the Leeds squad will soon have the opportunity to show Sunderland’s new signings why they should have moved to Elland Road.
A quick start will be needed, but there is no reason why the Peacocks cannot come away from their first five fixtures with at least seven points.
| Leeds United’s opening five Premier League fixtures | Date |
| Leeds vs Everton | 18 August |
| Arsenal vs Leeds | 23 August |
| Leeds vs Newcastle | 30 August |
| Fulham vs Leeds | 13 September |
| Wolves vs Leeds | 20 September |
In comparison, Sunderland face a far tougher opening run, which could give Farke an early advantage in the race for survival.
The two sides first meet each other in the league at the end of December. If Leeds can pull comfortably away from the Black Cats by the time this fixture comes around, many of their new signings will no doubt be regretting their decision.
Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.