‘Creative’ player who Newcastle United likened to Yohan Cabaye in 2023 is now signing for Sunderland

Add as preferred source on Google

One year after losing to Newcastle United in the FA Cup, Sunderland are lining up a blockbuster transfer.

The Magpies were dominant against the Black Cats 12 months ago, with Newcastle United beating Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. It was Eddie Howe’s first ever Tyne-Wear derby, and Sunderland certainly rolled out the red carpet for their biggest rivals.

That was a low point for Sunderland, who were managed by Michael Beale at the time. He certainly was not popular on Wearside.

Now there has been a change of fortunes, with Regis Le Bris turning Sunderland into promotion contenders. They are suddenly a much better team, sitting fourth in the Championship table and three points off top spot.

They are certainly contenders to win promotion, and Alan Shearer would love to see Sunderland back in the Premier League. That would mean more derbies, and ideally more bragging rights for Newcastle United.

Sunderland to sign Enzo Le Fee

As Sunderland aim to strengthen their promotion bid, they are on the brink of a shock signing.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have agreed to a deal to sign French midfielder Enzo Le Fee on loan for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old will arrive on loan from Roma, with the option of making the deal permanent in the summer.

Romano adds that Sunderland will cover his wages, with Le Fee on his way to the North East on Thursday to finalise the deal.

Newcastle United looked at Le Fee in 2023

It really is staggering that a club in the Championship are on the brink of signing a player who is as good as Enzo Le Fee, who describes himself as ‘creative‘.

He would not look out of place in the Premier League, and he is actually a player who the Magpies looked at in the past.

It was reported in March 2023 that Newcastle United admired Le Fee, at a time when the Frenchman looked set to leave Lorient. Geordie Boot Boys have been told by TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey that Newcastle United scouting staff compared Le Fee to Yohan Cabaye at the time.

The Magpies and various other Premier League clubs were keeping tabs on him, only for Le Fee to join Rennes and then Roma.

Now Le Fee is on his way to England, and Sunderland will hope he is the player that can propel them back to the Premier League. If that happens, Newcastle United can get ready for more Tyne-Wear derbies.