Sunderland acquire Adingra on five-year deal

Sunderland have strengthened their squad further ahead of their Premier League return with the signing of Simon Adingra from Brighton.

Adingra has signed for a reported fee of around £21m, including add-ons, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old joined Brighton in 2022 but did not make his Premier League debut until 2023-24, after spending his first year on loan at Union Saint-Gilloise.

He went on to make 60 appearances for the Seagulls in the top flight, netting eight goals and adding three assists.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started,” Adingra told the club’s website.

“The club and the project are really exciting. I spoke with everyone, and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future.

“Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible.

“It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”

Adingra was also part of Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning side in 2023 and assisted both goals in their 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final. He was named the best young player at the tournament.

He is Sunderland’s sixth signing of the transfer window, which takes their spending past £100m, after Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava and Chemsdine Talbi.

They are also reportedly interested in bringing back Jordan Henderson, whose Ajax contract was terminated by mutual agreement on Thursday.