Sunderland upgrade trigger terms, buyout of 23 million euros

Bootball Network reported on May 25 that the final of the Championship upgrade play-off ushered in a dramatic ending. Sunderland defeated Sheffield United 2-1 away and returned to the Premier League stage after 10 years. With this victory, a long-standing transfer "Eastern Egg" officially triggered - the 23 million euro forced buyout clause of French midfielder Lefee took effect, which became the core puzzle of Sunderland's new season.

Last summer, Lefee joined Rome from Rennes for 23 million euros, but struggled due to the adaptation of Mourinho's tactical system and only made 7 appearances in half a season. In January this year, the Red Wolves chose to loan it to Sunderland, with the "upgrade buyout" clause. Facts have proved that this "stop-loss transaction" has become a win-win situation for three parties: Lefee has reborn in the Championship. Although the data of 1 goal and 1 assist in 15 games is not impressive, he has become a hero for the team's upgrade with his stable midfield scheduling ability. He even played all the games and witnessed historic moments in the finals; Sunderland locked in his combat power with the "zero risk loan + standard buyout" mode to avoid the risk of direct money to sign up; Roma successfully recovered his costs and made room for the reconstruction of the summer window.

"Lefe's technical characteristics are perfectly adapted to the Premier League rhythm. His ability to shoot and long-range shooting threats are exactly what we need after returning to the top league." Sunderland coach Tony Mobray couldn't hide his joy after the game. From a Serie A marginalist to a Premier League upstart core, the 25-year-old Lefee made a thrilling leap in his career. It is worth mentioning that the amount of this transaction is exactly the same as the cost of Rome's introduction that year, and it can be regarded as a classic case of "transfer value preservation".

For Roma, although it is helpless to send Lefee away, it also reflects the club's operating wisdom - stop the loss in time before the player's value completely shrinks, and instead invest resources to a goal that is more suitable for Mourinho's system. Sunderland's "smart" is reflected in the control of the details of the terms: replacing the full prepayment with the half-season inspection period of the Championship, which not only reduces the cost of trial and error, but also provides reserve flexibility for the upgraded lineup.

When Lefee raised his arms and shouted at Wembley Stadium, he was not only a participant in Sunderland's "Black Cat Miracle", but also a microcosm of the "terms game" in the modern football transfer market. Behind the 23 million euro figure is the strategic considerations of the three clubs and a player's Jedi counterattack at the turning point of his fate. In the new Premier League season, can this French midfielder continue the miracle of the newly promoted team? All the answers will be revealed in the Premier League in August.