Newcastle United youngster told he's 'not ready' after injury blow & debut goal - transfer decision looms
Newcastle United transfers: Trevan Sanusi’s loan move to Ligue 1 side Lorient has been a difficult one for the teenager.
Newcastle United youngster Trevan Sanusi is set to return to Tyneside at the end of a frustrating season-long loan at French club Lorient without making any appearances in Ligue 1.
The 19-year-old winger joined Lorient last summer while still recovering from injury and was forced to return to Newcastle early in the campaign to continue his rehabilitation.
Once fit, he headed back to France and made his first-team debut in December. Sanusi came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist in a 7-0 Coupe de France victory over AS Gosier.
He then made his first and only start for Lorient in the following round, helping them to a 3-1 win against Hauts Lyonnais in January.
He has been named on the bench for several Ligue 1 matches but failed to make a single appearance in the top flight.
Sanusi has not been involved in a first-team matchday squad since March and Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni has effectively called time on the loan spell with his recent comments.
Lorient boss delivers honest ‘not ready’ verdict on NUFC youngster
“He arrived injured and it dragged on,” Pantaloni said. “Then, we must not forget that he’s a young player, arriving from a foreign country, who doesn’t speak the language.
“He found himself in a group that has been working together for a long time, with playing principles and training methods that are perhaps different from those at Newcastle. It was difficult for him.
“I think it’s going to be difficult [for him to play again this season]. He’s a kid who must have suffered from the situation. He’s always persevered.
“If Newcastle took a chance on him, it’s because they saw potential in him for the future.”
What promised to be an important development opportunity at a top-flight European club ultimately amounted to just two cup appearances and three outings for the B-team. Sanusi will return to Newcastle this summer, where his future will be reviewed.
While another loan spell remains a possibility, Eddie Howe has previously given the winger chances to impress in pre-season and handed him his senior debut in the FA Cup against Bromley in January 2025.
Now 19, Sanusi has gained valuable experience from a challenging first loan despite limited progress on the pitch and will be determined to push for progress in the 2026/27 season.