Le Fee ‘to be axed v West Ham’ as teammate vows to bring ‘passion’ to Sunderland
Sunderland broke their transfer record at the start of the summer window to sign Enzo Le Fee permanently.
Le Fee joined Sunderland on loan in January, with the football world wowed by the unexpected deal.
The Wearsiders have since broken their transfer record again, with Habib Diarra arriving for £30million at the Stadium of Light.
While many would expect Le Fee to start against West Ham, Regis Le Bris’ pre-season decisions suggest someone else will be given a starting berth.
Le Fee used in Sunderland’s fringe team against Rayo Vallecano
Sunderland were thrashed 3-0 by Rayo Vallecano at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 10 August, in their final pre-season match before the new Premier League season.
Le Bris used the occasion to field a weakened side from the one he played in the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Augsburg at WWK ARENA on Saturday, 9 August.
However, among the starting lineup was Le Fee, who many assume would be a starter for the season opener against the Hammers at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 16 August.
Dan Neil led the side, which featured several stars from last season, including Chris Rigg and Anthony Patterson.
- Le Bris has fielded differing teams by half or opposition
- Le Fee was once a guaranteed starter
Before the influx of players on Wearside, Le Fee would have been a nailed-on starter, but such has been the strength of signings that he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Le Bris has shown his hand in pre-season by splitting his lineups into the ones who are expected to start and those who are to be squad players.
With Le Fee set for the bench, who is going to bring the passion in his wake?
Read more: Le Bris must change ‘incredible’ Sunderland star’s position as key transfer priority emerges
Noah Sadiki to steal Le Fee’s place
Sadiki was among the early arrivals at the Stadium of Light and has had time to bed into the Sunderland squad.
The central midfielder has impressed Le Bris and fans so much so that he could start ahead of Le Fee against West Ham.
When Sadiki signed for the Black Cats, he laid out his expectations with some eye-catching words.
“I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field,” the 20-year-old said via the Shields Gazette (12 July).
“This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”
Sadiki has certainly promised grand things this season, and if he can produce them, then Le Fee may have to just sit and wait for his chance.
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