Sunderland have agreed a deal worth potentially €10 million to sign Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp. The 20-year-old, who joined the Belgian club last summer for a fee of €150,000-€250,000, will join the Black Cats ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Background

The medical is still to be completed, but the club has reached an agreement with Royal Antwerp. Ahoka moved to Belgium from AC Normands in the Democratic Republic of Congo a year ago, and has made only four competitive appearances for Antwerp, one of which was as a late substitute. Despite the limited game time, Sunderland’s management sees a clear upside.

Performance Data

Ahoka’s first two Pro League games saw him rank in the top 6 % of duels won, top 8 % for aerial duels, and top 20 % for tackles and interceptions. He also led the division in recoveries and was in the top 25 % for touches in the opposition box, contributing an assist. These figures were supported by his standout performances at the Toulon tournament, where he was a breakout star. The club’s scouting team has reviewed his youth tournament footage and pre-season matches in Belgium.

Strategic Fit

Sunderland’s priority in the January window was defensive midfield cover. The club added Lutsharel Geertruida but still needed a player who could learn from Granit Xhaka. Ahoka’s versatility - having played centre-back before returning to a holding midfield role - offers the squad a flexible option. If injuries hit Xhaka, Ahoka could step in, while the team can still rotate other midfielders such as Régis Le Bris, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra or Chris Rigg.

The transfer aligns with Florent Ghisolfi’s project of bringing in talent that can develop before top clubs intervene. Sunderland’s acquisition of Ahoka, alongside other summer signings like Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, strengthens central midfield and left-back options, leaving the right-wing position as the next priority before the September 1 deadline.

Next Steps

The club will finalize the deal once the medical is cleared. If successful, the signing will complete Sunderland’s central midfield options and continue the club’s strategy of building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.