Sunderland bring in DR Congo midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp

DR Congo midfielder Jules Ahoka has joined Sunderland from Royal Antwerp, completing a move to the Premier League club on 24 August 2026.

The 20-year-old defensive midfielder arrives in England after beginning the 2026-27 campaign with Antwerp in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. Ahoka made two appearances in the competition before switching clubs, starting 67% of the matches available to him and playing 67% of the possible minutes. He also registered one assist.

Ahoka was born in Kinshasa and represents DR Congo. His arrival adds a young central midfielder to Sunderland’s squad as the club begins life in the Premier League, although no contract length has been given for the move.

The player joined Royal Antwerp from AC Normands on 8 September 2025 in a €225,000 transfer. During his time with Antwerp, he recorded two Jupiler Pro League appearances and one assist, playing 180 minutes in the competition.

Ahoka’s most recent performances came at the beginning of the new Belgian league campaign, where he featured in two of Antwerp’s first three possible matches. He did not score and received no yellow or red cards in those appearances.

His recorded market value was €300,000 at the time of the transfer. No fee has been disclosed for Sunderland’s acquisition of the midfielder.

The move represents Ahoka’s first switch away from Belgian football since joining Antwerp from AC Normands. It also takes him from the Jupiler Pro League to the Premier League, with Sunderland becoming the third club of his senior career.

Ahoka is listed primarily as a defensive midfielder, the position in which he made his recent appearances for Antwerp. His move was registered on 24 August 2026, the same date Sunderland became his current club.

Sunderland have therefore secured the services of Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp, with the DR Congo international now part of the club’s Premier League squad.