Sunderland fans who have headed out to watch their side play in Portugal during pre-season were treated to some new faces in action against Sevilla.
From the get-go against their Spanish opponents, Regis Le Bris handed Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Noah Sadiki their Black Cats debuts, as the Wearside outfit put in a good account of themselves to walk away from the runout in the Algarve heat with a respectable 1-1 draw.
Yet, away from all the fanfare surrounding new signings, Enzo Le Fee also showed off his class once more with Sunderland’s only goal of the night when the silky Frenchman capitalised on a Sevilla error at the back.
Le Bris will be hopeful that a number of his fresh signings can go on to be as impactful as Le Fee after arriving from Europe, with another statement deal now potentially on the table.
Sunderland very interested in £26m star
Whilst Sunderland have bolstered their attack with some standout purchases, the time is now approaching when the Black Cats will have to improve their defensive personnel, too, with equally high-profile buys.
Indeed, recent reports have suggested that Le Bris and Co. are going after both Brighton and Hove Albion defender Igor Julio and ex-Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos to do just that, alongside also looking at the likes of both Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi and Lille ace Bafodé Diakité from further afield.
However, there is a name that hasn’t been mentioned much, but stands out, with the Black Cats reportedly very interested in a £26m deal for Sevilla star Loic Bade, according to a new report by El Chiringuito TV via X.
AFC Bournemouth is also noted as being another interested party, alongside Marseille, Tottenham, and Villarreal, who have allegedly lodged enquiries about the conditions involved in signing the one-time France international.
A separate report from French publication, Foot Mercato, suggests the Cherries and Sunderland are in pole position to sign the centre-back this summer.
This might well be a tough race for Sunderland to win, but the Black Cats should not be underestimated when assessing their whirlwind business so far this summer, on top of the fact that Le Fee decided to call the Stadium of Light his home in a similarly out-there deal last year.
How Bade can be Le Bris' next Le Fee
Before making the unexpected switch, the ex-Lorient midfielder was more used to the luxuries of the top French division than the hustle and bustle of the Championship, with nine Europa League appearances also next to his name.
Still, he managed to instantly settle in as an enigmatic presence from midfield, leading to Le Fee chipping in with two key assists during Sunderland’s playoff journey to help make their surreal promotion dreams a reality.
Bade will hope he can enter the building and be just as impactful, only this time around in the bright lights of the Premier League, having been a consistent battler for Sevilla over many a season now.
In total, the 6-foot-3 “warrior” – as he’s been glowingly labelled in the past by football analyst Ben Mattinson – has 79 La Liga appearances under his belt for Matías Almeyda’s men, with the same level of standout experience also on his side in European competitions, having lined up for three Champions League clashes across his varied career to date, away from also proudly lifting the Europa League in 2023.
Games played
32
Goals scored
1
Assists
1
Touches*
68.3
Accurate passes*
48.6 (86%)
Ball recoveries*
4.3
Clearances*
5.0
Total duels won*
4.3
Clean sheets
8
While he proudly demonstrates prowess in the air, winning 4.3 aerial duels per game last season in La Liga, which could come in handy for a relegation dog-fight, Bade also possesses a calmness with the ball at his feet that is similar to his compatriot in Le Fee, with a high 86% pass accuracy averaged per top-flight clash across the same period.
The 25-year-old just about did enough at the back to ensure Sevilla beat the drop, as the Rojiblancos finished in a precarious 17th spot, with Bade now tasked with ensuring another lowly side can stave off relegation if he relocates to Sunderland.
Hailed as being a potential “great” signing by U23 scout Antonio Mango for a team in need of experience, this might well be a golden deal for Le Bris and Co. to sign off on, with the hope he can look a cut above, much like Le Fee did on his arrival.
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