New Sunderland signing Enzo Le Fee is ready to prove his worth on the pitch as he opened up on his shock signing. The French star joined the Black Cats last week and was unveiled at their FA Cup clash with Stoke City on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

Playing in front of the Wearside fans is at the forefront of Le Fee's mind and he can’t wait to show them what he can do in the heart of the Black Cats’ midfield. It's likely Le Fee will play a part at Burnley on Friday and he might even start.

The 24-year-old French midfielder has made the loan switch from Italian giants AS Roma until the end of this season. He has impressive credentials, having played more than 180 appearances in top-flight football across Europe as well as the Europa League.

READ MORE: Enzo Le Fee baffled Paris St Germain - now he can rip up 'difficult' Championship with Sunderland

READ MORE: 'Where are they?' Mark Robins warning as just 15,000 fans turn up at Sunderland for FA Cup tie

The capture of the midfielder represents a major coup for the club as he prepares to test himself in English football. Le Fee flew into Wearside on last Thursday afternoon to complete a medical and finalise his move to the club. In his first words since then, he expressed his delight at reuniting with familiar faces and joining a club that holds huge prestige.

“I’ve really been excited to meet people. It’s been a really good day,” he said on his arrival. “I’m very happy. I just need to prove it on the pitch. I think it’s the most important thing. I’m waiting to play but I am very excited to play in front of the fans. That’s what I am waiting for.

“The training ground is really nice. It is a really big club. For me, that is normal though. I’m very happy to be here.”

Le Fee was blooded into professional football by head coach Regis Le Bris with the pair working in tandem throughout his climb through the FC Lorient youth ranks in Brittany.

It’s clear to see how Le Bris played a major role in the transfer as he continued: “I spoke with him for a long time on the phone. That’s one of the reasons why I am here. I know him and I know how he wants to play so I am sure that I will enjoy that with the team.”

At the age of 24, Le Fee has featured prominently for Lorient over four years before making high-profile switches to Stade Rennais and Roma, a move which was completed in the summer of 2024.

Several players within the squad also reunite with Le Fee. Wilson Isidor is one while others have come up against him in France’s top tier. He added: “There are some familiar faces with Wilson, Adil [Aouchiche] and Salis [Abdul Samed]. I played against him in Ligue 1 and they are top players so I am sure I will enjoy playing with them together.”