Noe Lebreton: Sunderland eye move for NEC Nijmegen attacking midfielder

Franco-Senegalese midfielder Noe Lebreton of NEC Nijmegen is being linked with a move to Premier League side Sunderland as the English club explore options to strengthen their attacking midfield department this summer.

Lebreton, 22, has emerged as a key figure for NEC since arriving from SM Caen in August 2025 for a reported €1.3 million fee. His form in the Eredivisie has alerted Sunderland, who are monitoring his situation as they look to add creativity and goal threat from central areas ahead of the new campaign. NEC, however, are under no pressure to sell, with the player under contract until 30 June 2029.

The attacking midfielder, born in La Haye-Pesnel and eligible for both France and Senegal, has adapted quickly to Dutch football. He has recorded 22 league appearances for NEC, scoring five goals and providing four assists in the Eredivisie, underlining his ability to contribute in the final third. He has also added goals and assists in the KNVB Beker, further boosting his reputation.

Before his move to the Netherlands, Lebreton built his career at Caen, progressing through the youth ranks to the first team and making 66 Ligue 2 appearances, scoring four goals and adding four assists. He also featured regularly at youth and reserve levels, gaining experience across the French pyramid.

With a market valuation of around €4 million as of late May, any negotiations are expected to require a significant outlay from Sunderland. For now, Lebreton remains an NEC player, tied to the club on a long-term deal that runs through the summer of 2029.