Salomon Kalou backs Simon Adingra to shine at Sunderland after big-money move

Salomon Kalou has expressed strong belief that fellow Ivorian Simon Adingra will make a significant impact at Sunderland following his high-profile transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Championship side confirmed on Thursday that Adingra has signed a five-year contract, with the deal reportedly worth €24 million (£21 million) plus bonuses.

The 23-year-old winger arrives at the Stadium of Light amid expectations that he will be a key figure in the club’s efforts to secure Premier League survival during the 2025/26 season.

Kalou, a former Chelsea forward and veteran of the Ivorian national team, voiced his support for Adingra during an exclusive interview with Africafoot, praising the younger player’s unique style and technical ability.

“I think he will excel at Sunderland, that’s a given,” Kalou said. “He’s a brilliant player who brings a touch of originality to the teams he plays for. He drives with the ball, beats defenders, and creates chances. For me, he’ll be a major asset to Sunderland.”

Kalou, who earned 93 caps and scored 27 goals for Ivory Coast, highlighted Adingra’s composure and intelligence on the pitch as defining traits that could help the winger thrive under pressure.

“His ball control for someone his age is outstanding,” Kalou continued. “The way he receives the ball, his calm presence on the field, his awareness — all of that shows the kind of player he is. If he’s used in the right position and keeps working hard, Sunderland have signed a real talent.”

Adingra’s career has been on an upward trajectory since his days with Nordsjaelland in Denmark and Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.

His move to Brighton in 2023 marked a significant step into the Premier League, where he spent two seasons, making 73 appearances in total. During that time, he netted 12 goals and delivered five assists, including five goals and two assists last season alone.

Despite flashes of brilliance at Brighton, Adingra’s playing time was sometimes limited, and the move to Sunderland presents an opportunity for a fresh start. Kalou believes this new chapter could be the one where the winger fully blossoms.

“We saw what Simon did for Ivory Coast at the last Africa Cup of Nations,” Kalou said. “He’s humble, grounded, and dedicated. If he maintains this attitude, the sky is the limit.”

Adingra was a standout performer in Côte d’Ivoire’s successful AFCON 2023 campaign, contributing three goals and five assists across 22 international appearances since making his senior debut in 2023.

His pace, vision, and versatility have made him one of the most exciting talents emerging from West Africa in recent years.

Sunderland’s bold investment signals their trust in Adingra’s ability to deliver at the highest level, and with the endorsement of one of Ivory Coast’s most respected footballing figures, expectations will undoubtedly be high.

As Adingra prepares for the next stage of his career, all eyes will be on how he adapts to life in Wearside and whether he can fulfil the promise that has followed him since his breakthrough into European football.