Sunderland are closing in on the signing of France Under-21 midfielder Noe Lebreton from Dutch club NEC Nijmegen. The Black Cats, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their first European campaign in 2026/27.
Who is Noe Lebreton?
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder joined NEC last summer from SM Caen in France's second tier. He scored seven goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances for the Eredivisie side, helping them finish third and secure a first-ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round for 2026/27. Lebreton also assisted the winner in NEC's KNVB Cup semi-final victory over PSV Eindhoven.
Why Sunderland are interested
Sunderland already have 10 French-speaking first-team squad members at the Stadium of Light, which may have played a part in the decision to pursue Lebreton. This may also have been one of Sunderland's key selling points when pitching to the France U21 international. Last summer, the Black Cats signed Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen, and he enjoyed an impressive first campaign in English football.
What comes next for Sunderland
The club are evidently keen to build on the momentum of last season by signing in-form, up-and-coming players from Europe once again, in a bid to replicate their 2025/26 display. Sunderland begin the season away to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 22, currently sitting 19th in the Premier League with 0 points, 0 goals scored, and 0 conceded, trailing league leaders Coventry by 95 points. Their next fixture is at home against Everton on February 20, 2027, with Romaine Mundle currently sidelined.
