Sunderland Closes Transfer Window with £21m Deal Amid Pending Agreements
Sunderland AFC is poised to finalize a significant transfer deal on deadline day, with Simon Adingra potentially leaving the club for AS Monaco. The Black Cats paid £21 million to Brighton for the winger, and if the loan agreement goes through, they aim to recoup the majority of that fee.
Sunderland’s Loan Arrangement for Adingra
Simon Adingra, a 23-year-old Ivorian international, is expected to complete a medical in London with Monaco soon. The loan deal will allow Adingra to spend the rest of the season with the Ligue 1 club, as Sunderland seeks to optimize its roster. He joined Sunderland in the summer with a five-year contract but has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Background on Adingra and His Performance
- Joined Sunderland from Portsmouth.
- Hasn’t been a regular starter under coach Regis Le Bris.
- Missed selection for the Ivory Coast squad in the Africa Cup of Nations.
During his time at Sunderland, the club has seen other players excel in wide positions. Options such as Romaine Mundle, Chemsdine Talbi, Bertrand Traore, Eliezer Mayenda, Chris Rigg, and Enzo Le Fée have proven to be effective on the flanks. Recently, January signing Jocelin Ta Bi has also bolstered their attacking choices.
Monaco’s Pursuit and Additional Transfers
Monaco is eager to complete the transfer before the 7 PM deadline. They are also set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the next round of the Champions League. The deal’s completion relies on Adil Aouchiche finalizing his move to Schalke in Bundesliga 2, as he currently occupies an international loan slot at Sunderland.
Loan Deal Structure
The arrangement includes a substantial loan fee and an option-to-buy clause. If Monaco opts to exercise the buy option, Sunderland is positioned to recover most of the £21 million they initially invested in Adingra.
Other Transfer News at Sunderland
In other transfer developments, defender Leo Hjelde has moved to Sheffield United on loan. After recovering from Achilles surgery last summer, Hjelde has made 30 appearances, contributing to Sunderland’s promotion last season. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman expressed confidence in Hjelde’s fit for Sheffield United and optimism for a fruitful partnership.
- Leo Hjelde: Departed to Sheffield United on loan.
- Hjelde has returned to form after injury.
As the transfer window nears its end, Sunderland remains active in player negotiations, focusing on team optimization and future performance as they look to build upon their recent successes.
