Sunderland’s January transfer window looks set to start with the impressive loan capture of Enzo Le Fee from Roma. After that, the Black Cats could make some equally impressive captures, likely in the loan market too.
It looks like Enzo Le Fee to Sunderland is now a formality, with the French midfielder on Wearside to complete medical tests and see through his loan move from Roma.
On Thursday evening, Le Fee was pictured flying to Sunderland after it was revealed that the Black Cats had agreed a loan deal with a £20million obligation to buy, in the event that Sunderland win promotion from the Championship.
Le Fee arriving certainly improves the club’s promotion credentials. But more is needed if they’re to really compete with the likes of Leeds United, Burnley, and Sheffield United in the second half of this season.
Kristjaan Speakman may now add another attacker to the ranks at the Stadium of Light, with several having been linked in the build up to January. One who’s been mentioned is Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry, who’s recently been valued at £7million.
Alex Neil reveals Millwall stance on Louie Barry
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Millwall have joined the race for Barry who remains at Aston Villa, where he’s widely tipped to leave either on loan or permanently during the January window. The Lions have also recently appointed former Sunderland boss Alex Neil.
And Neil has now spoken out on the rumours that his side want to sign Barry. In what is surely a boost for Sunderland, Neil has played down his side’s links, also insisting that no transfer deals are imminent at The Den right now.
Neil told South London Press: “At this stage Louie Barry is just another one of many players that has been taken back from his loan at Stockport by Aston Villa, hence the speculation with us and probably many other Championship clubs.
“Right now we are not going to have anyone imminently walking through the building tomorrow morning. As far as all the rest goes, for me that is just speculation.”
- READ MORE: What Regis Le Bris said about Enzo Le Fee in 2023 vs now as Sunderland close in on Roma star
Louie Barry is an ‘incredible fit’ for Sunderland
Barry is a player who can operate on both flanks, predominantly the left, as well as up front. So despite Le Bris having the likes of Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson returning, there’s surely a spot in the side for Barry.
The same thinking applies with the Le Fee deal as he arrives at a Sunderland side already boasting names like Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, and Jobe Bellingham in midfield.
Speaking about Barry’s future, EFL expert Ali Maxwell tipped Barry to head to Sunderland where he thinks the 21-year-old would be an ‘incredible fit’. He said: “I think the answer is Sunderland. Barry is the closest thing to Jack Clarke that I can really think of.
“I think he would thrive playing for Sunderland. Sunderland and Louie Barry for me would be an incredible fit.”
Villa take on West Ham in the FA Cup on Friday evening. It’ll certainly be interesting to see if Barry is named in the squad.