Sunderland sign DR Congo prospect Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp

Sunderland have signed 20-year-old midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp, with the DR Congo prospect becoming the club’s third addition of the summer.

Ahoka has joined the Black Cats after making an encouraging breakthrough in the Belgian top flight last season. He initially moved to Royal Antwerp from AC Normands in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The midfielder has been handed Sunderland’s number 29 shirt, following the arrivals of Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said the club had tracked Ahoka closely and believes he has the attributes to develop into an important player at the Stadium of Light.

“Jules is a player we have been following closely, and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for his age,” Ghisolfi told the club website.

“His performances at the Toulon Tournament demonstrated his physicality, defensive qualities and mentality, while he has also gained valuable experience in Belgium.

“He has huge potential and we believe Sunderland is the right environment for him to continue his development.”

Ahoka said the chance to play in the Premier League was a major attraction, having regularly watched the competition while growing up.

“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,” Ahoka said.

“It is a big club with great ambitions, and I am excited to be here.

“I want to work hard, learn from my team-mates and the staff, and continue developing as a player. I will give everything for the club and I cannot wait to get started.”

The move marks another stage in Ahoka’s transition from African football to Europe. He acknowledged that adapting to the change was difficult at first, but said his commitment helped him overcome the early challenges.

“At first it was difficult for me to come from Africa and play in Europe, but I applied myself to the process and overcame those hurdles,” he said.

“I worked hard in training and started the season and played well.”

Ahoka will be reunited at Sunderland with fellow DR Congo international Noah Sadiki, who he described as a close friend.

“I’m really happy to be here with Noah – he’s a good friend and that’s really useful,” he said.

“We didn’t get to play together for the Congo national team, as they had left for the tournament before I was subsequently called up, but I’m really happy to get together now.”

The new signing also identified Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka and Sadiki as players who can help him settle into English football and continue his development.

“I’ve still got a lot of learning to do, so I can do that from watching how Granit and Noah play as I learn to adapt,” he added.

Ahoka’s arrival increases the number of African players in Sunderland’s squad to seven. He joins Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Jocelin Ta Bi.

The midfielder could make his Sunderland debut against Fulham on Sunday, subject to receiving clearance to play. Sunderland will be seeking a response after opening their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Ipswich Town.