Le Bris could ditch Talbi by starting Sunderland’s new version of Sessegnon

Every year, the Premier League enjoys a surprise promotion package, and Sunderland managed to defy expectations and cement themselves in the big time after being promoted last year.

Throughout the last two Premier League campaigns, all newly promoted outfits have been relegated. This underlined the widening gap between the top two divisions, knocking the edge of the competition that shapes the English tower.

Under Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats have been neglected in football and are difficult to score against. They aren’t a free-scoring outfit, but the Stadium of Light has seen fewer goals either side than any other top-flight stadium this season, and it’s this fearsomeness that has ensured a thrilling return.

The summer transfer window has been a costly one for the Wearsiders, but they have laid out a plan for others to spend the money effectively.

However, it is interesting that the most expensive player, Habib Diarra, has struggled to play for Sunderland.

Habib Diarra’s Sunderland career so far

Last summer, Sunderland signed Diarra from Strasbourg in a world record £30m deal. Despite being described by journalist Sam Blitz as “the leader of this team”, the 22-year-old has yet to grow into his own skin and contribute on the pitch.

The Senegalese striker has improved over the past few months, perhaps fueled by a surprise AFCON victory in his wake.

But there is still a lot to be desired, with his lack of intelligence and lack of focus on the ball yet to show that he is worthy of wearing the badge of being Sunderland’s most expensive player.

The powerful midfielder has started each of Sunderland’s last eight Premier League games, and despite not being perfect, his strength and physicality have opened doors for Le Bris to look to sharpen his side’s attack.

However, Diarra has yet to prove that he deserves to be among the first names on the club’s charts week in and week out.

In fact, there is a colleague who appears as the new version of the club of Stephane Sessegnon and still wants to return to the first team, and put in a compelling case during the Tyne-Wear Derby.

Le Bris must introduce Sunderland’s new Sessegnon

This Sunderland team is as good as any that have played in the Premier League in the last few decades. However, there are a few stars who can make this team go strong, Jermain Defoe being one, Sessegnon being the other.

Now, in Enzo Le Fee, Le Bris may have found Sunderland’s new version of an attacking midfielder. Both players are gifted with natural ability and skill in football, and their playmaking ability should be put to good use in the business weeks of the 2025/26 campaign.

Regarded as a prodigious talent by his manager, Le Fee has started a handful of games from the bench in recent weeks as Diarra continues to grow into his starting XI, but could that change before the end of the season?

After winning in St. James’ Park, journalist Mark Douglas praised Le Bris as “a top manager”, praising his tactical play, which made him “one of the most adaptable managers in the game”. Part of this success is the introduction of Le Fee, who entered Diarra’s place in the 85th minute and came to trouble, picking up passes and beating half of the athletes.

His flashy style (and, admittedly, the problem of projecting that talent on the pitch) contrasts with Sessegnon, who was versatile in midfield and forward, scoring 18 goals and providing 17 assists in 97 games for the Black Cats.

The fact that Le Bris has options to choose from in Sunderland’s return to the big time is a testament to how far the outfit have come in recent years.

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