Manchester United have been informed how much it will cost to prise Noah Sadiki away from Sunderland this summer. And it’s not cheap.
The Red Devils spent over £200m on new players last summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS concentrating on their attack. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all arrived.
Goalscoring has improved. But many fans were disappointed United overlooked their midfield, arguably their weakest area.
Now? That’s being fixed. United are set to invest tens of millions into that part of their squad this summer, with at least two new midfielders expected.
Elliot Anderson. Adam Wharton. Sandro Tonali. Carlos Baleba. All linked over the last year.
Add Sadiki to that list.
SUNDERLAND WANT DOUBLE THE MARKET VALUE
Caught Offside claim Chelsea are eyeing Sadiki as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez. They’ve ‘held fresh talks with his representatives last week’.
United ‘regard Sadiki as one of their priority targets’, with scouts attending many of the DR Congo international’s matches this season. Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton are also lurking.
But here’s the problem. Sunderland see Sadiki ‘as central to their long term project and has no intention of selling’ the 21 year old this summer.
His current market valuation sits around €30m. Sunderland are warning United and others that they’ll need to stump up around double that.
Figures in the region of €50/60million could make them think twice.
That’s a huge rise in value for a player signed from Union Saint Gilloise for just €17m.
‘A NO BRAINER’ SAHA BACKS ENZO MOVE
Meanwhile, former United striker Louis Saha has thrown his weight behind a different midfield target.
Enzo Fernandez. The Argentina international could leave Chelsea this summer. And Saha reckons United should be all over it.
“I don’t think Enzo Fernandez has the same style as Bruno Fernandes, but he could still fit into that midfield,” Saha told Betinia.
“He has the calmness on the ball, the intelligence, and the ability to open up play. He’s not exactly the same as a holding midfielder like Caicedo, but he has aggression and quality.
“It would be a no brainer, but if he is available, it’s definitely something Manchester United should consider.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
United want a midfielder. They need a midfielder. But Sunderland aren’t playing ball.
Sadiki would cost €50m+. Enzo Fernandez would cost even more. And Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all circling.
The ‘war’ for Sunderland’s star is only just beginning. United have been warned: pay up or shut up.
