‘I’m trying to grow’ – Noah Sadiki on why Sunderland was the right move

Noah Sadiki believes his move to Sunderland has helped him take an important step forward in his career, both on and off the pitch.

The DR Congo international ended his two-year spell at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to join Sunderland in July, a decision he feels is already paying dividends.

Sadiki has made an immediate impact at the Stadium of Light, starting 16 Premier League matches for the Black Cats so far this season. The 21-year-old was not involved in Sunderland’s squad against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, having joined up with DR Congo for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

On Tuesday, Sadiki completed the full 90 minutes in DR Congo’s 1-0 victory over Benin, further underlining his growing importance at international level.

Speaking after the match, comments relayed by Ouest-France, the defensive midfielder explained how his move to England has accelerated his development.

“I’m trying to grow,” Sadiki said. “Making the leap to the Premier League helps me do that as a player, but also as a person. I try to pass on what I’ve learned to my teammates.”

Sadiki is keen to use the experience gained in England’s top flight to benefit those around him in the national setup. Having been born in Belgium and represented the country at youth level, he committed his international future to DR Congo in 2024.

The Sunderland midfielder hopes his journey can inspire other young players considering similar paths.

Despite his rapid rise, Sadiki insists he is not weighed down by expectations or criticism.

The midfielder accepts scrutiny will come if his performances dip, but he has ruled out feeling burdened by pressure.

“That’s what people say. If I have a bad game, they’ll criticise me,” he explained. “There’s no pressure to feel. It’s still football. Above all, you have to enjoy yourself.”

Sadiki’s strong start to life in England has not gone unnoticed. His performances for Sunderland have already attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, highlighting how quickly he has adapted to Premier League football.

For now, though, the focus remains firmly on continuing his development on Wearside.

Sadiki will continue his AFCON campaign with DR Congo before returning to Sunderland, where he is expected to remain a key part of the Black Cats’ midfield.

With elite clubs already monitoring his progress, maintaining consistency in the Premier League will be crucial if he is to take the next step in his career.