Trevan Sanusi, the Birmingham City starlet who once threatened to break Jude Bellingham's record as the club's youngest-ever player, has been brutally told he is 'not ready for Ligue 1' after a challenging loan spell at Lorient. Sanusi left St Andrew's in 2023 for Newcastle United, but his career has stalled, with just one first-team appearance for the Magpies and limited game time in France.
Almost Eclipsing Bellingham
Jude Bellingham became Birmingham City's youngest player when he debuted at 16 years and 38 days in 2019, surpassing Trevor Francis's record. However, in 2023, Sanusi came close to taking that accolade. The left-winger was an unused substitute on the final day of the 2022/23 season against Sheffield United, a day overshadowed by Tom Wagner and Knighthead's first official visit after their takeover. Had manager John Eustace introduced him, Sanusi would have become the new record holder.
Move to Newcastle United
Despite Birmingham's efforts to retain him, Sanusi joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2023. He signed a scholarship, turned professional in 2024, and extended his contract in 2025 after a 20-minute cameo in an FA Cup win over Bromley—his only first-team outing for the Magpies.
Loan Struggles at Lorient
A loan to Lorient was meant to kickstart his career, but an ankle injury upon arrival last summer derailed his progress. He has made only five Ligue 1 benches and played two French Cup games against lower-league opposition. Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni offered a stark assessment: 'He's a kid who must have suffered from the situation. We didn't give him the opportunity because we felt he wasn't quite ready for Ligue 1.'
Future Prospects
Sanusi, now 19, is expected to seek another loan move next season, and suitors will likely be attracted by his potential. However, the question remains: how many more first-team appearances would he have made had he stayed at Birmingham City three years ago?
