Trevan Sanusi has finally been given the moment he has been waiting for, and it could mark the real beginning of an exciting new chapter in his young career.
The Newcastle United youngster, widely regarded as one of the club’s brightest academy talents, has at last made his long-awaited debut for Lorient after a frustrating start to life in France.
The 18-year-old winger left Newcastle during the summer transfer window to join Lorient on loan, with the clear aim of gaining regular senior football and accelerating his development.
The move was seen as a smart step for both player and club, offering Sanusi the chance to test himself in a new league, a new country, and a more physically demanding environment. However, things did not go to plan early on.
Soon after arriving in France, Sanusi suffered an ankle injury that stalled his progress and kept him on the sidelines longer than expected.
While his teammates were building momentum, the teenager was forced to focus on recovery, fitness work, and patience. For a young player eager to prove himself, it was a difficult period, especially after making such a bold move away from home.
Now fully fit again, Sanusi has wasted no time in making an impact. While Newcastle United were battling Chelsea in a dramatic 2-2 draw back in England, Lorient were in Coupe de France action against AS Gosier.
The match turned into a one-sided affair, with Lorient cruising to a dominant 7-0 victory, but the scoreline only tells part of the story.
Sanusi was introduced from the bench in the 57th minute, and despite limited time on the pitch, he made sure his presence was felt. Just 18 minutes after coming on, he delivered his first senior assist, showing composure and awareness to pick out Mohamed Bamba, who finished confidently. It was a proud moment for the young winger, who has spent years working towards this level.
The best was yet to come. Only four minutes later, Sanusi got his name on the scoresheet himself. Collecting the ball in a promising position, he showed confidence and sharpness to fire a right-footed strike past the goalkeeper, making it 7-0. For a player making his debut after weeks of frustration, it was close to a dream scenario.
This cameo could prove to be a turning point. After missing valuable time through injury, Sanusi now has a platform to build on. With confidence restored and match fitness improving, his focus will quickly shift toward earning a Ligue 1 debut and pushing for more consistent minutes. Performances like this will only strengthen his case.
From Newcastle United’s perspective, this development will be welcomed news. It had recently been suggested that the club were considering recalling Sanusi in January due to his lack of playing time and fitness issues.
However, with his recovery complete and his first appearance producing immediate rewards, that plan may no longer be necessary.
The priority now will be keeping him fit and allowing him to settle into a proper rhythm with Lorient. Sanusi is a player Newcastle rate very highly, and there is a strong belief within the club that he offers something different.
His pace, directness, and confidence on the ball are seen as qualities that could one day translate to the Premier League level.
That belief is not based on theory alone. Sanusi has already had a taste of senior football at Newcastle, making his debut under Eddie Howe in last season’s FA Cup third-round victory over Bromley. That appearance, although brief, gave a glimpse of the trust the manager has in his potential.
For now, the focus is on development rather than immediate returns. The loan spell is about learning, adapting, and growing as a player, both on and off the pitch. If Sanusi can stay healthy and continue to make decisive contributions, this experience in France could become a crucial stepping stone in his journey.
This debut may only be the first small step, but for Trevan Sanusi, it feels like a big one. After weeks of waiting and uncertainty, he finally has momentum, confidence, and a reason to believe that his time is coming.
