Ndong became Sunderland’s record signing when he joined in the summer.
Sunderland midfielder Didier N’dong has told the Sunderland Echo that the price-tag that he arrived at the club for doesn’t put any extra pressure on his shoulders and turned down more lucrative offers to move to the Stadium of Light.
N’Dong joined for a club record fee of £13.6 million in the summer from Lorient and has become a regular under David Moyes in the heart of the Black Cats’ midfield.
Sunderland’s Didier Ndong in action with Leicester City’s Christian Fuchs
He told the Sunderland Echo: “I don’t think the money is an issue. I don’t think it adds pressure.
“It was there, and Sunderland obviously had to pay a price for the transfer, but the most important thing is that I am here now, playing, and enjoying what I do.
“I got higher offers, but they were not to play in the Premier League, and I really wanted to come here.”
It shows the pull the league has currently. The 22-year-old has shown signs of being an energetic midfielder that likes to cover ground, and can be calm on the ball. Moyes suggested earlier on in the season that he could have a similar role for the club as N’golo Kante had at Leicester City, and now at Chelsea.
There have been dips in N’dong’s form but his form has improved as the club’s has – as they have managed to win three of their last four league games to move within a point of safety.
It’s natural that a player of his age will go through phases of very good form and then have a dip, as it’s important to remember that this is a player who is still developing and in the very early stages of his Premier League career – a league he labels as the best around.
If he keeps improving then it will be a long-term investment that will pay off pretty handsomely, and he is right not to let the price tag phase him in any way.
Leicester City’s Andy King in action with Sunderland’s Didier Ndong
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
