Sunderland Secures Simon Adingra from Brighton in £21m Deal

Sunderland AFC has finalized a significant transfer coup, signing Ivorian winger Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial £18 million, with an additional £2.5 million in potential add-ons, bringing the total deal to approximately £20.5 million. The agreement, confirmed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, sees the 23-year-old undergo a medical in the North East, with personal terms already settled.Adingra, who has made 60 Premier League appearances for Brighton since joining in 2022, brings valuable top-flight experience to Sunderland’s squad. His standout moment came during Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations victory, where he scored a crucial equalizer and provided assists in the final. This move follows a failed January swap attempt involving young prospect Tommy Watson, underscoring Sunderland’s renewed determination to bolster their attacking options.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hailed the transfer as a testament to the club’s ambitious vision, noting Adingra’s agility and versatility. The deal aligns with Sunderland’s proactive summer strategy, which has already seen acquisitions like Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge. As Sunderland prepares for the Premier League challenge, Adingra’s arrival signals intent to compete at a higher level, with his medical expected to pave the way for an official unveiling soon.