Qudus SalihuAs the January transfer window enters its final 48 hours, Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has reportedly taken a firm stand to block the departure of midfield linchpin Noah Sadiki, despite a massive “record sale” bid from Manchester United. The 21-year-old DR Congo international has been at the heart of the Black Cats’ sensational Premier League resurgence this season, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the division’s elite. Reports suggest that the Red Devils submitted a formal offer exceeding the club’s current record for a player sale, testing Sunderland’s resolve to keep their burgeoning young squad together.
However, Le Bris has reportedly informed the board that Sadiki is “untouchable” in the current window. The Frenchman is determined to maintain squad harmony as Sunderland pushes for a top-half finish, fearing that losing such a vital component of his midfield would derail the progress made since their promotion. While the club has shown a willingness to spend big—evidenced by their own record-breaking £52 million pursuit of Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz—Le Bris is adamant that the project requires stability as much as new investment.
The player himself is said to be happy at the Stadium of Light, currently under a long-term contract that runs until 2030, giving the club significant leverage in negotiations. Despite the astronomical figures being mentioned, the message from the Wearside camp is clear: the sporting project takes precedence over short-term financial gain. With only hours remaining before the deadline, it appears Le Bris has successfully shuttered the door on any potential exit, ensuring his “midfield engine” remains at the Stadium of Light for the crucial second half of the campaign.
Rabiu Aminu
Mustapha Sheidu
