Ivory Coast international Simon Adingra has expressed his eagerness to play for newly promoted Premier League club, Sunderland after switching from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old signed a five-year deal to join Sunderland, bringing an end to his three-year spell at Brighton.
He becomes the sixth signing of a new Premier League era on Wearside, following the arrivals of Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, and Chemsdine Talbi.
In the recently concluded season, the Ivorian international made 33 appearances for the Seagulls, including 29 in the Premier League.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting. I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future”
“Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.” He said.
Adingra moved to FC Nordsjaelland in 2020 and scored on his debut against FC Copenhagen in April 2021 before exploding onto the Danish Superliga scene during the 2021-22 season.
He contributed ten goals and four assists in 33 league and cup appearances in his breakthrough campaign, which culminated in a move to the American Express Stadium in June 2022.
An immediate switch to Brighton’s partner Club, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, followed, and Adingra once again flourished, scoring 15 goals and registering 14 assists in 51 senior appearances.
Since returning to East Sussex, the winger has made 73 senior appearances for the Seagulls in all competitions.
On the international stage, Adingra won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and provided both assists in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final, which also led to him being named Best Young Player at the tournament.
