Chelsea have ‘held talks to sign’ to sign “technical” Sunderland youngster who starred against the Blues this season

Sunderland's Eliezer Mayenda celebrates scoring their first goal with Noah Sadiki. (REUTERS/Scott Heppell)

Chelsea’s season has been defined by wild swings in form.

One week, Enzo Maresca’s side look capable of beating anyone — they’ve already toppled Liverpool in the league and dismantled Barcelona in the Champions League, while earning a gutsy 1–1 draw with Arsenal despite playing most of the match with 10 men.

But for every big performance, there has been an equally frustrating setback.

Chelsea have slipped up in games they were widely expected to win, including recent defeats to Leeds and Atalanta, and earlier in the campaign, a damaging 2–1 loss at home to Sunderland. On that day, the newly promoted Black Cats were comfortably the better side — and one player, in particular, stole the show.

Now, it appears Chelsea are looking to bring that man to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have “opened discussions “held talks” over a potential move for Noah Sadiki, with the club exploring a January swoop for the impressive Sunderland midfielder, according to new reports.

Sadiki, 20, arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer for around £15m from Union Saint-Gilloise and has settled instantly, becoming an automatic starter under manager Régis Le Bris. He has featured in all 15 of Sunderland’s Premier League matches so far, playing a key role in their unexpected rise up the table.

Sky Sport Switzerland report that both Chelsea and Manchester United have approached Sunderland to register their interest, but it is Chelsea who are said to have “acted immediately”, requesting clarity on the youngster’s valuation.

His commanding, technically polished display in Sunderland’s 2–1 win at Stamford Bridge in October reportedly played a major part in accelerating Chelsea’s pursuit.

Sunderland, however, are under no pressure to sell. Sadiki signed a five-year contract upon joining the club, giving the Black Cats full leverage heading into winter negotiations.

Le Bris has been full of admiration for Sadiki’s mindset and development, praising the midfielder’s hunger to sharpen every aspect of his game.

“He is a really good player,” the Sunderland boss said. “He has a different personality but I think he is really smart to understand what is needed to go further.

“He looks at what type of specific profile he needs to progress – technical, physical. You don’t always find the same profile with every player – he has his own characteristics but I think they fit well with the demands of the Premier League.”

Chelsea are expected to continue pushing, but prising Sadiki away in January may require a significant offer.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.