Frenchmen Regis Le Bris and Enzo Le Fee worked together for many years at Lorient. Now though, the pair look set to see what they can achieve together at Sunderland in the Championship.
Enzo Le Fee was the first topic of discussion during Regis Le Bris’ pre-Stoke City presser on Thursday afternoon, amid reports that Sunderland are set to sign Le Fee on loan from Roma.
It’s reported that the Black Cats will have an obligation to buy Le Fee from Roma, should Sunderland win promotion from the Championship this season, with a fee around £20million likely to be coughed up
It’s also been revealed that Sunderland will pay Le Fee’s Roma wages until June with the 24-year-old French midfielder thought to be earning around £69,000-a-week, so it’s certainly an expensive move for the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris discusses Enzo Le Fee style of play and position amid Sunderland rumours
Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris was quizzed on Le Fee’s move to Sunderland. But the Black Cats boss didn’t give much away, simply stating that it’s ‘speculation’ at this moment in time, and that a deal is not done.
But Le Bris didn’t deny the rumours. He then went on to explain the type of player that Le Fee is having worked with him at Lorient. Le Fee came through the ranks at Lorient, playing under Le Bris for both the B team and the first-team.
Le Bris said of the January transfer window as a whole, and of Le Fee: “We would like to have a player who knows the system, and who is used to play in this game model, and is connected with specific identity. I think this player [Le Fee] could fit with that.”
Then speaking about the type of player that Le Fee is, Le Bris added: “He used to play as a 10, as an eight, sometimes as a six, in a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3.”
What Regis Le Bris said about Enzo Le Fee at Lorient
Le Fee eventually racked up 142 appearances for Lorient’s first-team, scoring eight goals and assisting 15 during his four years as a first-team player at the club.
When Le Fee signed his first professional contract with the club in 2018, Le Bris who was a youth coach there at the time, said of Le Fee: “Enzo arrived at the club very young.
“He is therefore imbued with the playing identity of FC Lorient and has managed to establish himself in each category over the years thanks to his qualities but also with his self-denial and tenacity during difficult times and a long-term injury. We are all very proud to see Enzo reach this new level.”
Later in 2023, Le Bris discussed Le Fee playing in what was an unfamiliar no.10 role at the time. He explained: “It’s above all a midfield role when you’re in attack. Enzo (Le Fée) likes to touch the ball, he likes to create.”
The Sunderland boss went on to add: “Afterwards, each player also has defensive tasks. Everyone has to participate and that was the case in this first half. I think he’s going to have a blast in this role.
“I find him interesting in this midfield position which is often quite high but which also has the freedom to come lower.”
Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris didn’t give an answer to whether Le Fee would arrive in time to play against Stoke City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.