Biggest talent since Le Fee: Sunderland plotting to sign £21m “phenomenon”
Sunderland Set Their Sights Higher Than Just Survival in the Premier League
Sunderland are making it clear they’re not content with simply surviving in the Premier League next season.
Their early summer transfer activity signals serious ambition, as they look to avoid a quick return to the Championship.
The club has already broken its transfer record by spending £30 million on Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra.
And that’s just the beginning. The Black Cats have been linked with several high-profile targets, including former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and Hamed Traore, the latter potentially arriving in a deal worth around £18 million.
Big-money moves aren’t unfamiliar territory for Sunderland when chasing Premier League survival. Earlier this year, the signing of Enzo Le Fée drew significant attention.
Initially brought in on loan from Lorient in January, the French midfielder quickly became a crucial part of the squad.
His creativity and composure were vital during the promotion push, with two key assists in the playoff semi-finals against Coventry City and a crucial goal in the final run-in.
His performances seemed almost surreal for Championship level, especially given he had been playing for Italian giants AS Roma not long before.
With a combined 28 goals and assists for Rennes and Lorient under his belt, Le Fée’s permanent £20 million move was a statement of intent—and a reward for manager Régis Le Bris’ strong ties to his former club Lorient.
Now, Sunderland could be on the verge of pulling off another bold signing—perhaps one even more impactful than Le Fée’s. Reports suggest the club is targeting Lyon forward Georges Mikautadze, a player with enormous potential and a proven record in Ligue 1.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Sunderland are among several European clubs eyeing the Georgian attacker, who could be available for just £21 million—only slightly more than Le Fée cost.
Mikautadze lit up French football last season under Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions, despite the club’s off-field turmoil.
Digging deeper into his stats, Mikautadze has notched a remarkable 79 combined goals and assists during his time in France with Metz and Lyon.
Former coach Emilio Ferrera once dubbed him a “phenomenon,” and talent scout Jacek Kulig has even called him a “living legend.”
Should Mikautadze make the move to Wearside and hit the ground running, he could prove to be an electrifying addition—possibly even outshining Le Fée.
If his form carries over to English football, he could be a crucial figure in helping Sunderland establish themselves in the top flight once again.
