Sunderland’s summer recruitment has been relatively quiet thus far, with only two signings made – Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie – though that situation appears set to change significantly over the coming days.
The club are understood to have finalised terms with Royal Antwerp for 20-year-old midfielder Jules Ahoka, with the transfer fee believed to be in the region of £8million. The DR Congo international has reportedly accepted personal terms on Wearside and received clearance to undergo medical examinations in the North East.
According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Ahoka’s earnings will rise substantially at the Stadium of Light, with his wages reportedly increasing fifteen-fold compared to his current contract. The exact figures remain undisclosed.
The young midfielder was absent from Antwerp’s 4-4 draw against Genk at the weekend, with head coach Rein van Helden expressing surprise at the sudden development. During a meeting, it was revealed that Ahoka would not be training with the squad due to an imminent move to an English top-flight club. The coaching staff were taken aback by the speed of events, having seen the player feature in only four matches for the Belgian side this summer. The player’s progress throughout recent months has been remarkable, and best wishes were extended for his future career.
Manager Regis Le Bris will have gained valuable insight into his squad’s requirements following Saturday’s season-opening Premier League fixture at Portman Road, where Sunderland were defeated 2-1 by recently-promoted Ipswich Town. The display was marred by defensive errors and insufficient attacking invention in the closing stages of the match.
With the transfer window shutting on September 2, approximately one week remains for additional arrivals and departures to be completed. Chronicle Live understands the club are also assessing alternatives in the transfer market.
Sunderland have demonstrated a talent for discovering young players capable of adapting to Premier League demands. Noah Sadiki enjoyed an impressive inaugural campaign in English football following his switch from Union Saint Gilloise twelve months prior, while Nilson Angulo has displayed glimpses of potential. With experienced campaigner Granit Xhaka expected to provide guidance and leadership, Ahoka has every opportunity to flourish.
A separate target involves Palmeiras youngster Riquelme Fillipi, with Sunderland monitoring the 19-year-old winger’s circumstances. No formal offer has been submitted as yet, though the Brazilian youngster impressed with 22 goals from 42 appearances at Under-20 level during 2025. The club have lacked width and incision on the right flank, an area where Trai Hume struggled to influence Saturday’s encounter despite his natural position being at full-back. Fillipi could potentially address this weakness, though Nottingham Forest are also tracking the player’s progress.
Chemsdine Talbi has encountered difficulties with consistency, while Jocelin Ta Bi, despite an encouraging pre-season, may require additional development before becoming a reliable option. Should Fillipi prove similarly raw, Sunderland may need to prioritise acquiring a more experienced Premier League-ready forward.