Sunderland 'agree' stunning Enzo Le Fee transfer as key details of move emerge
Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Enzo Le Fee from Roma, it has been claimed. The 24-year-old, who joined the Serie A side for £19million from Rennes in July, is set for a reunion for Regis Le Bris on Wearside.
Le Fee and Le Bris worked together at Lorient during the 2022/23 campaign - a season in which many feel showed the best of the former France international midfielder. In fact, Le Fee (41) created the third-most open play chances and secondary chances in Ligue 1 that season - only Lionel Messi (49) and Neymar (49) had more.
And now, Le Fee and Le Bris are set to reunite at the Black Cats after a deal was agreed to bring him to the Stadium of Light. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland are set to sign Le Fee on a loan deal with a buy clause included. It's claimed that Le Bris was 'crucial' to make the transfer happen.
READ MORE: 'The answer is Sunderland' - Louie Barry transfer move as Aston Villa decide to loan out forward
READ MORE: Jobe Bellingham to Manchester United 'makes sense' as short-term Sunderland verdict delivered
He is set to become Sunderland's first January signing and it does feel like a major statement of intent as Le Bris' side push for promotion back to the Premier League. The Black Cats sit fourth in the Championship right now, two points behind Sheffield United and Burnley and three adrift of leaders Leeds.
Le Fee joined Lorient in 2008, aged eight, and progressed through the youth system at the French club before making his first-team debut in May 2019. He ended up becoming an important member of the senior set-up in the following season, making 29 appearances, and that continued for the next three years.
However, in the summer of 2023, Le Fee left Lorient after 15 years and playing 142 times. Amid interest from the Premier League and across Europe, Le Fee stayed in France and made the switch to Rennes. He was a virtual-ever present at Roazhon Park but spent just a season there before making the big-money switch to Roma.
It's safe to say Le Fee has struggled for regular game time since signing for Roma in July, though. He has started just six matches during his time in Rome, making ten appearances in total. He was an unused substitute in the 2-0 derby win over Lazio on Sunday and last featured against Sampdoria last month.
