NafisaSunderland have made an outstanding start to the 2024/25 season under new manager Régis Le Bris and are just three points adrift of Leeds United at the summit of the Championship.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for the Black Cats, who endured a torrid second half to the previous campaign. A dismal run of form saw them narrowly avoid relegation by a mere six points. However, that chapter now seems firmly in the past following Le Bris’ appointment in the summer.
Currently sitting fourth in the table, Sunderland are firmly in the promotion race and aiming for a long-awaited return to the Premier League. With a critical second half of the season ahead, Le Bris has been candid about the need to bolster his squad. The Frenchman has his eye on the loan market to strengthen their push for promotion.
One name that has emerged as a potential target is Aston Villa’s Louie Barry, but a more high-profile link has surfaced in the form of AS Roma’s Enzo Le Fée. The 24-year-old French midfielder first rose to prominence at Lorient under Le Bris’ guidance, having come through the ranks at the Breton club.
Le Fée made 142 appearances for Lorient, scoring eight goals across all competitions. His performances earned him a move to Rennes before a high-profile €23 million transfer to AS Roma. However, his time in Italy has been far from smooth, with Le Fée featuring just six times in Serie A this season under Claudio Ranieri.
Sunderland are reportedly keen on bringing the talented midfielder to the Stadium of Light on loan, with a view to making the deal permanent in the summer. Such a move, however, is contingent on Sunderland achieving promotion to the Premier League. While Le Bris is eager for a reunion, Roma are expected to prioritise a deal that maximises their financial return on a player who cost them significantly.
Reports suggest Roma recently held talks with Real Betis over a potential transfer, but negotiations broke down due to financial disagreements. Sunderland’s interest provides another option, though much depends on whether Roma are willing to sanction a mid-season departure.
Le Bris, when asked about Sunderland’s plans in the transfer market, emphasised patience and precision. “Nothing at the moment. We are focused on the next game. Patience is exactly the word I used with the owner and sporting director. It’s very important to find the right players rather than just focus on recruiting now. We have to be very accurate.
“The dynamic of the team is always very subtle, so we knew a new player will have an influence, but it’s not easy to find the right pieces of the jigsaw. Rather than being fast, we have to be accurate.
“Our strength is the connection. We have to find a player who can connect. It’s possible to add new talents, but we have to remember our identity. If we can find the right player in three days, I’m happy. But it’s not easy to find.”
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