Sunderland have bolstered their attacking options for their Premier League return with the signing of 23-year-old Ivorian winger Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £20.5 million. The transfer, finalized on July 10, 2025, marks the Black Cats’ sixth acquisition of a busy summer window as they prepare for the 2025-26 season under head coach Regis Le Bris.
Adingra, who has signed a five-year contract with Sunderland, arrives with significant Premier League experience, having made 73 appearances for Brighton since joining from Danish side FC Nordsjælland in 2022. During his time at the Amex Stadium, he scored 12 goals and provided five assists, showcasing his pace, dribbling, and attacking flair. His standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he assisted both goals in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 final victory over Nigeria, further underlined his potential.
The transfer follows a long-standing interest from Sunderland, who attempted to sign Adingra in January as part of a potential swap deal involving Tommy Watson, who has since moved to Brighton for £10 million. The Black Cats have now secured their target for an initial £18 million, with up to £2.5 million in performance-based add-ons, according to Sky Sports News. Adingra underwent a medical in the North East on Wednesday, arriving by private jet, and was pictured signing his contract, as reported by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano on X.
Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, praised the signing, emphasizing Adingra’s fit for the club’s ambitions. “Simon brings speed and versatility to our forward line, and his experience in the top tier will be key in the months ahead,” Speakman said. “He’s got significant Premier League experience, which is important for us as a newly promoted team, and due to our recent connection with him, he already has a strong understanding of Sunderland AFC and our journey. Simon is ready to play his part, and we are excited to see him in our team.”
The move comes as part of an aggressive recruitment drive by Sunderland, who have already spent over £100 million this summer. Other signings include Enzo Le Fée (£18 million), Habib Diarra (£28 million), Noah Sadiki (£17 million), Chemsdine Talbi (£18 million), and Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer. The club’s ambition is clear: not just to survive in the Premier League but to compete, as Le Bris highlighted in a recent Sky Sports interview. “It’s not just survival,” he said. “We want to build a team that can make an impact.”
Brighton’s decision to part ways with Adingra, who had slipped down the pecking order under manager Fabian Hürzeler, has been viewed as good business by some. Brighton Us-based Brighton fan and podcaster Ryan Adsett from Talk Seagulls commented, “I feel £18m is good business for a player who was unlikely to be a regular next term. Brighton signed Adingra for around £8m from Nordsjælland in 2022.” Adsett suggested that Tommy Watson, now at Brighton, could fill Adingra’s role as a backup for Kaoru Mitoma, highlighting the strategic swap benefiting both clubs.
Sunderland fans are buzzing with excitement over Adingra’s arrival. One supporter, posting on X as @__Hamooo, described the signing as “Sunderland striking gold,” adding, “€21m for Adingra is a steal considering how this Ivorian baller tears Premier League defenses apart.” Another, @PhaResearcher, noted, “Adingra to Sunderland is a huge get—pace, power, and promise. Brighton letting him go says a lot about Sunderland’s intent this season.”