Sunderland captain Dan Neil has suggested one Kristjaan Speakman decision that has clearly paid off recently.
The Black Cats are looking to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window with the hope of maintaining their promotion push.
One signing is already through the doors of the Stadium of Light, and that is the loan arrival of Enzo Le Fee, who joined from Italian and European giants Roma.
The Frenchman has already lit up the imagination of Sunderland fans that witnessed his performance against Burnley on his Black Cats debut, where he was surprisingly utilised on the left-flank, but nonetheless shone.
His arrival has already had an impact on the club, with team captain Dan Neil already speaking highly of the Frenchman after just over a week at the club, and one thing that his arrival proves that has changed regarding Sunderland in the past couple of years.
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Sunderland star Dan Neil hails Enzo Le Fee signing as he states ‘how far the club has come’
Le Fee’s arrival saw him join on loan from Roma, with an obligation to buy included if Sunderland reach the Premier League.
It has been regarded as a shrewd piece of business by Kristjaan Speakman, who is clearly willing to back Regis Le Bris following the successful first half of the 2024/25 Championship season.
On top of that, it is truly remarkable that Sunderland are able to attract such a top level player and that has been highlighted by captain Neil.
Per Sunderland Echo, Neil reflected on the Frenchman’s debut and the deal to bring him in, to which he said: “He’s looked a player in training since he came in.
“He got his chance off the left tonight and he did really well, worked really hard for the team. He listened to those around him because he’s new to the system even if he did play something similar with the manager at Lorient, he did his defensive role well which I think is really important to see that from a new player coming in. And you could see his quality on the ball.
“I think it shows how far the club has come in the last few years that we can attract a player like this. We were delighted when he came in and we’re already seeing that quality in training. Hopefully we can attract some more players like him and really push on.”
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Enzo Le Fee reputation will reap rewards for future Kristjaan Speakman transfer business
Sunderland have certainly turned many heads with the deal to bring in Frenchman Le Fee, in what is a shrewd deal due to the favourable finances involved.
Because of this, it will certainly help the Black Cats in bringing in extra talent to their squad, especially as their reputation will be boosted by signing top level European players.
Alongside this, Sunderland making contacts with the footballing giants, such as Roma will also help in the long term for the club, with Wearside year-by-year looking a more prosperous place for youngsters to be developed, as seen by the impact that the academy stars have had on the side this season.
The signing, in truth, just highlights the success of Sunderland off the pitch in recent years, and whilst some things haven’t quite gone as planned, they are no doubt on the up, and they have the tangible product in the Le Fee signing to show for it.