Leeds United and Chelsea stars react to Enzo Le Fee after Sunderland ‘£20m deal’
Enzo Le Fee caught the attention of Chelsea and Leeds United stars after Sunderland defeated Sheffield United to secure promotion to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has made an important impact since signing for the Black Cats on loan during the winter transfer window, notching a goal and three assists in 18 appearances.
Two of those assists came against Coventry City in the Championship play-off semi-final, with many supporters expecting the same from him at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 24 May.
Eliezer Mayenda helped cancel out Tyrese Campbell’s before Tom Watson scored a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of added time, just days before joining Brighton in the summer transfer window.
Business has already begun at the Stadium of Light, with the goalscorer leaving, and it is understood, as per The Athletic, that Sunderland will sign Le Fee for up to £20million after securing promotion.
Sunderland seal Enzo Le Fee transfer after Premier League promotion
Taking to Instagram (25 May), Le Fee simply wrote: “WE ARE SUNDERLAND,” alongside images of himself lifting the Championship play-off final trophy after beating Sheffield United.
Teammates Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg both liked the post, as did Chelsea‘s Trevoh Chalobah and Leeds United’s Illan Meslier after the dramatics at Wembley Stadium.
Black Cats celebrate as Sheffield United miss out on promotion
Football Insider verdict
Some supporters may feel underwhelmed about the permanent transfer of Le Fee, given his somewhat invisible performance at Wembley Stadium, but he has shown real talent.
He was integral to the Black Cats reaching the Championship play-off final, and boasting experience with Lorient, Rennes, and AS Roma, he could be important in the Premier League next season.
Football Insider also understands that Sunderland could earn a guaranteed £160million now they have secured promotion, which will be important during the summer transfer window.
| Enzo Le Fee v Sheffield United | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 93% (27/29) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Accurate crosses | 0% (0/7) |
| Ground duels won | 33% (2/6) |
The squad, albeit good enough to win promotion to the Premier League, is likely to take several hits ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Bellingham and Rigg linked with exits.
Speaking to Mackem News (16 May), Bundesliga expert Kevin Pritchard stated that Bellingham would be “open to” a move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude.
The Black Cats’ financial situation certainly gives them hope of keeping the young stars, but if they are to depart this summer, it might not be so difficult for Regis Le Bris to find suitable replacements.