Sunderland have strengthened their midfield by signing Enzo Le Ve from Roma on loan.
The 24-year-old French midfielder – who joined Roma from Rennes in the summer – will remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season.
Le Fee, a Lorient youth product, previously worked under current Sunderland manager, Regis Le Bris.
He has already given his first interview as the Black Cat, saying: “I'm very happy to be here and I'm excited to meet people.
“There are some familiar faces like Wilson Isidore, Adil Aouchich and Salis Abdessamad. I also know the coach and I know how he wants to play, so I'm sure this will help me as well.
“Now, I just need to prove it on the field. I think that is the most important thing and I am very excited to play in front of the fans.
“This is a big club. For me, this is normal, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Le Fei was a former member of the France U-21 national team and represented his country at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Enzo is. https://t.co/l1RGE9kAIr pic.twitter.com/PeccFHOu8g
– Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 10, 2025
Sunderland, who are in contention for promotion to League One, have the option of making their move permanent at the end of the season.
Sporting director Christian Speakman added: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Sunderland and thank Roma for their cooperation in this matter.
“He's a player we know well, and for Regis he's a player he's worked with before. The opportunity to have a midfielder of this profile, who already understands how our coach works, is a unique combination that we had to pursue.
“Enzo is a fantastic talent and we believe he can lift our level in the second half of the season. We are pleased to have strengthened our squad so early in the window and look forward to working with him.
Le Fei participated in a limited number of matches with Roma this season, participating in only six matches in the Italian League and four matches in the European League.
The signing is a statement of intent for Sunderland as they look to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
