Sunderland’s stance on selling £40,000-a-week star Noah Sadiki has been revealed, with Chelsea showing strong interest in signing the midfielder as a Granit Xhaka alternative.
Xhaka has made it clear he wants to remain at the Stadium of Light this summer, despite interest from Xabi Alonso‘s side, with the Swiss midfielder saying: “Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy. I’ve decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I’m ready to make history with them.”
As such, the Blues will have to turn their attentions towards other midfielders, potentially as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with Arsenal recently opening talks regarding a deal for the Argentina star.
That search has led the west Londoners to Sadiki, who partnered Xhaka in Regis Le Bris’ midfield for the majority of the 2025-26 season, after joining from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Chelsea are known to be keen on adding another midfielder to their ranks this summer, and their need to do so could be exacerbated by Fernandez’s departure. As such, Sadiki could be a viable target, especially considering he is much younger than Xhaka at 21-years-old. |
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Finances |
Back in May, it was revealed the Black Cats were demanding £52m for the DR Congo international, so a deal is likely to be expensive. For reference, the Blues made a £8m bid for Xhaka. |
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Insight |
However, the high price tag is explained by the fact the former Royale Union Saint-Gilloise man was “incredible” in the Premier League last season, according to journalist Andy Sixsmith. The central midfielder made 33 top flight appearances during his debut campaign. |
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Impact |
Chelsea could bring in the youngster as an alternative to Xhaka, who could be in the latter stages of his career at 33-years-old. Having emerged as a first-team regular for Sunderland last season, he could make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge. |
Sunderland’s stance on selling Noah Sadiki
However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Sunderland have informed Sadiki he isn’t for sale this summer, as Le Bris doesn’t want to weaken his squad ahead of a European campaign.
Chelsea have been showing strong interest in signing the African midfielder, but they could now be forced to move on to other targets.
How Noah Sadiki compares to Granit Xhaka
The two central midfielders struck up quite the partnership last season, with the Black Cats going on to qualify for Europe, but Xhaka arguably had the edge in terms of importance to Le Bris.
The Switzerland star averaged 11.3 defensive contributions per 90 in the Premier League, the highest number of any Sunderland player, whereas his midfield partner ranked in sixth place with 7.7.
Moreover, the Basel-born maestro was also more important from an attacking point of view, picking up one goal and six assists in 34 matches, and Sadiki failed to score, while registering just one assist.
As such, Xhaka could’ve been more of a ready-made option for Alonso, but Chelsea may have to start looking elsewhere, with Sunderland unwilling to cash-in on either midfielder.
