Ajax sign Sunderland winger Simon Adingra on loan with option to buy

Ajax have signed Sunderland winger Simon Adingra on loan until the end of the current season, with the Dutch club holding an option to make the move permanent.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast winger becomes the latest addition to Ajax’s squad after agreeing to leave Sunderland temporarily. Ajax confirmed that the deal includes a clause allowing them to complete a permanent transfer once the loan period has ended.

Adingra began his football career at Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy before moving to Danish club FC Nordsjælland in 2021.

He joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and, after a short loan spell at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, went on to make 73 appearances for Brighton in all competitions.

Adingra left Brighton to join Sunderland last year. He spent the final months of last season on loan at French club Monaco, gaining experience in Ligue 1 before returning to Sunderland.

Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff said the winger’s qualities matched the profile the club had been seeking.

“Simon has speed and the ability to break through, as well as a strong mentality. These are exactly the qualities we were looking for,” said Cruyff.

“He has the ability to immediately add more attacking threat to our style of play, which is why we are very happy that he chose Ajax and trusted the project we have for him.”

Adingra’s move to Ajax represents another stage in a career that has already taken him across several European leagues. The winger has previously played in Denmark, Belgium, England and France, and now returns to the Netherlands with one of the country’s most historic clubs.

His first senior move came when he left the Right to Dream Academy for FC Nordsjælland in 2021. The following summer, Brighton & Hove Albion brought him to England, although he initially spent time away from the club with Union Saint-Gilloise before establishing himself at Brighton.

During his time with Brighton, Adingra made 73 appearances across all competitions. He subsequently moved to Sunderland last year and later joined Monaco on loan for the closing months of the previous campaign.

Ajax’s agreement gives the club the opportunity to assess Adingra over the remainder of the current season before deciding whether to activate the purchase clause. For the player, the move opens a new chapter in his career and brings him back to the Netherlands, where his European journey began with FC Nordsjælland.

The deal means Adingra will continue his career in a fifth country, having already experienced football in Denmark, Belgium, England and France. Ajax are confident his pace, direct running and mentality can provide an immediate attacking contribution, according to Cruyff.