Premier League new-boys Sunderland right now smashed their switch document by finishing the signing of midfielder Enzo Le Payment from Roma.
Frenchman Le Payment moved to Sunderland on mortgage in January with the Wearsiders obligated to make the transfer everlasting in the event that they gained promotion to the highest flight, which they did by beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last month.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal on the Stadium of Gentle for a charge reported to be within the area of £19.3million. That surpasses the earlier mark of £13.6m Sunderland spent on Didier Ndong in 2016.
✍️ We’re delighted to substantiate the everlasting signing of Enzo Le Fée!
The 25-year-old joins from AS Roma for an undisclosed charge, penning a four-year deal on Wearside ❤️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 3, 2025
I can’t wait to play for Sunderland within the Premier League – Le Payment
Le Payment struggled with accidents in the course of the mortgage spell however shone in the course of the play-offs with key contributions in each semi-final ties in opposition to Coventry and the victory over the Blades.
“I mentioned earlier than the Play-Off Last that my coronary heart was in Sunderland – I wished to remain, and this made it a very powerful recreation of my life. Collectively, we did it,” mentioned Le Payment, who labored beforehand with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris at Lorient.
“From the second I arrived, I’ve loved my soccer, my team-mates, and our supporters. We shared an unimaginable expertise, and now we get to take the following step. There are higher challenges forward, however we should face them collectively, and I can’t wait to play for Sunderland within the Premier League.”
Le Payment is ‘a high-level participant’
Sunderland director of soccer Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we had been buying a really high-level participant who may very well be influential in essential moments – the moments that change the end result of video games and seasons.
“He’s been a giant a part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing completely and becoming a member of us within the Premier League. Above all else, he’s been a workforce participant, and following our Play-Off Last victory, I feel everybody might see precisely what the membership means to him.”
Sunderland are more likely to be energetic this summer time as they try to bridge the hole between the Championship and the Premier League.
They’ve, nevertheless, misplaced winger Tommy Watson – the matchwinner in opposition to Sheffield United – to Brighton for £10m whereas midfielder Jobe Bellingham is believed to be close to securing a move to Borussia Dortmund.
