Sunderland are closing in on their first signing of the January window as they are set to sign AS Roma midfielder Enzo Le Fee, according to reports.
The Black Cats currently find themselves fourth in the Sky Bet Championship and are three points off the top of the league. They have lost just once in their last five games and beat Portsmouth 1-0 in their last match.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Le Fee is set to join on an initial loan deal with a buy clause included. The signing is expected to be completed soon, with the Championship club finalising formal steps. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris was reportedly a crucial factor in negotiations.
How has Le Fee fared this season?
The French midfielder has endured a disappointing season, to say the least. The 24-year-old joined the Giallorossi back in July for €23 million but has struggled for minutes in the Italian capital.
The former Rennes man has only made 10 appearances for Roma this season and is yet to register a goal or an assist for Claudio Ranieri’s side.
Reunited with Le Bris
Sunderland’s interest in Le Fee is perhaps unsurprising considering manager Regis Le Bris managed him at his boyhood club FC Lorient. The two Frenchmen worked together in the first team across five years at the club.
Le Fee would make 142 appearances under Le Bris before joining Rennes for €20 million in 2023. It is reasonable to suggest that a reunion between the two could be significantly beneficial to the Wearside club’s promotion hopes.
The two know each other well and their relationship goes back a long way. Not only did they work together in the first team, but Le Bris worked closely with the midfielder in the club’s youth academy.
What could he bring to Sunderland?
The Lorient academy product could bring an array of qualities to Sunderland’s side. Le Fee plays as a central midfielder and tends to operate in deeper positions. The French u23 international is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and has displayed a brilliant passing and tackling ability throughout his career.
Despite being just 24, he would also bring experience to a young Sunderland side. Le Fee has spent his career in a top-five European league and has also played in the Europa League, making over 200 appearances in total.