Premier League new-boys Sunderland today smashed their transfer record by completing the signing of midfielder Enzo Le Fee from Roma.
Frenchman Le Fee moved to Sunderland on loan in January with the Wearsiders obligated to make the move permanent if they gained promotion to the top flight, which they did by beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last month.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light for a fee reported to be in the region of £19.3million. That surpasses the previous mark of £13.6m Sunderland spent on Didier Ndong in 2016.
✍️ We are delighted to confirm the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fée!
The 25-year-old joins from AS Roma for an undisclosed fee, penning a four-year deal on Wearside ❤️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 3, 2025
I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League – Le Fee
Le Fee struggled with injuries during the loan spell but shone during the play-offs with key contributions in both semi-final ties against Coventry and the victory over the Blades.
“I said before the Play-Off Final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay, and this made it the most important game of my life. Together, we did it,” said Le Fee, who worked previously with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris at Lorient.
“From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step. There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together, and I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”
Le Fee is ‘a high-level player’
Sunderland director of football Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.
“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our Play-Off Final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”
Sunderland are likely to be active this summer as they attempt to bridge the gap between the Championship and the Premier League.
They have, however, lost winger Tommy Watson – the matchwinner against Sheffield United – to Brighton for £10m while midfielder Jobe Bellingham is believed to be close to securing a move to Borussia Dortmund.
