Premier League new-boys Sunderland immediately 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 within the Championship play-off last at Wembley final month.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal on the Stadium of Gentle for a payment 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 payment, 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 throughout the mortgage spell however shone throughout the play-offs with key contributions in each semi-final ties towards Coventry and the victory over the Blades.
“I stated earlier than the Play-Off Last that my coronary heart was in Sunderland – I needed to remain, and this made it a very powerful sport of my life. Collectively, we did it,” stated 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 subsequent step. There are larger 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 might be influential in important moments – the moments that change the 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 may see precisely what the membership means to him.”
Sunderland are more likely to be lively this summer season as they try and bridge the hole between the Championship and the Premier League.
They’ve, nonetheless, misplaced winger Tommy Watson – the matchwinner towards Sheffield United – to Brighton for £10m whereas midfielder Jobe Bellingham is believed to be near securing a transfer to Borussia Dortmund.
