It looks as though Sunderland may have had their first knock back of the January transfer window. But knowing Kristjaan Speakman, he’ll have more than just a few irons in the fire right now.
Sunderland are quickly becoming a case study in how to handle the transfer market, thanks largely to the efforts of sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
After four years at the Stadium of Light, Speakman has constructed a Sunderland team worth more than £100 million, with players like Jobe Bellingham valued at £20 million, Chris Rigg, and several more poised to command high transfer fees.
Speakman has accomplished this by scouting European and global markets for young prospects and then transferring them to the manager to assist them develop into important first-team assets.
So far in the January transfer window, a rising number of players have been connected with moves to Wearside, including some very fascinating names. Perhaps the most exciting is Enzo Le Fee.
Enzo Le Fee rejects initial Sunderland approach
During the summer, Roma paid a reported £19 million to recruit Le Fee from Rennes. However, after half a season in Serie A, the 24-year-old Frenchman is expected to leave Italy, with ties to Spain and England.
Sunderland are interested in Le Fee, with whom Regis Le Bris has previously worked at Lorient. Meanwhile, Le Fee has dropped out of a transfer to Real Betis because the Spanish club was taking too long to finalise the deal, which contained a £16.6 million buyout clause.
According to an emerging story from La Repubblica, Le Fee is skeptical by Sunderland’s or Betis’ proposals and would want to return to France, with Lille surfacing as a potential suitor.
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