AliousSunderland may have encountered their first setback of the January transfer window, but if history is anything to go by, Kristjaan Speakman won’t be deterred.
The Black Cats’ sporting director has consistently shown his expertise in navigating the transfer market, and it’s unlikely this one rejection will slow his momentum.
Under Speakman’s leadership, Sunderland has become a model for smart transfers, with the club now boasting a squad worth over £100 million.
Players like Jobe Bellingham, valued at £20 million, and Chris Rigg are just a few of the club’s prized assets, demonstrating the value of Speakman’s strategy: sourcing young talent from Europe and beyond, then entrusting them to the manager for development into first-team stars.
Already in January, Sunderland have been linked with several high-profile players, but the most intriguing of these is Enzo Le Fee.
The 24-year-old French midfielder, who was signed by Roma for £19 million last summer, is reportedly considering a move away from Serie A after just a few months, with interest from both Spain and England.
Sunderland, with their manager Regis Le Bris’ past connections to Le Fee at Lorient, are keen on securing the player.
However, Le Fee recently pulled out of a potential move to Real Betis due to delays in finalizing the deal, which would have included a £16.6 million buyout option.
This has opened the door for Sunderland, but it’s not without challenges.
Despite an initial rejection from Le Fee, Sunderland and Speakman are now ramping up their efforts to land the Frenchman before the window closes.
According to Calcio Mercato reporter Eleonora Trotta, the club is increasing pressure to bring Le Fee to Wearside, potentially via a loan deal.
However, the midfielder’s apparent preference for a return to France may pose a significant obstacle. Even so, if Speakman can pull off this deal, it would represent a major coup for the club and further underline his ability to navigate the market with success.
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