Let him go, I am Disappointed in Him,”REGIS LE BRIS”

Le Bris Addresses Watson’s Impending Departure While Maintaining Focus on Promotion Push

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Tommy Watson remains in contention for selection despite the teenage winger’s £11 million summer transfer to Brighton being publicly announced this week.

The 18-year-old academy product, who has spent over a decade with his boyhood club, will complete the current campaign on Wearside before joining the Seagulls ahead of next season. Le Bris intends to utilize Watson as needed during Sunderland’s remaining seven fixtures and anticipated playoff campaign.

“If Tommy plays well, he will play,” Le Bris stated pragmatically, though he’s expected to continue favoring Romaine Mundle when available. “Football is simple like this. You have contracts and sometimes the relationship is a little bit more transactional and you have to accept that.”

While maintaining that Watson will remain professional, Le Bris acknowledged the unusual timing of the announcement: “The situation is not so unusual in football. You have to deal with these situations. The timing is a little bit weird, and I accept that, but we want to push on until the end of the season.”

The French coach’s disappointment was evident as he discussed losing one of the club’s brightest prospects before he’s reached his potential. Sunderland had previously rejected Brighton’s approaches in the past two transfer windows and made renewed contract offers earlier this year, but Watson and his representatives remained firm in their decision to move on.

“We have to accept the situation,” Le Bris conceded. “We declined [previous offers] and tried to renew his contract, but it wasn’t possible in the end. So, it’s his decision and we have to move on. I hope it’s a positive outcome for the club financially at least and for our future.”

Le Bris highlighted Sunderland’s supportive environment for young talent while acknowledging each player makes individual career choices: “Every player is different and the environment at Sunderland is, I think, very positive for the development of young players. They can get minutes, the club trusts young players.”

“Whether it is good or bad we will have to see, that is life. At least now it is known, and we can move on,” he concluded, shifting focus back to Sunderland’s promotion ambitions.