Ahoka’s Sunderland move imminent, Antwerp teammate says after 4-4

Jules Ahoka is closing in on a move from Royal Antwerp to Sunderland, with teammate Rein Van Helden confirming that the transfer is imminent. The proposed agreement is worth about €10 million and would take the 20-year-old to the Premier League club this summer.

Ahoka was absent as Antwerp drew 4-4 with KRC Genk in the Jupiler Pro League at the weekend. Genk held a 4-1 advantage before Antwerp scored three times during the final quarter to secure a point.

Van Helden, who played the entire match, said Antwerp’s squad only learned on Friday morning that Ahoka would not train because he was close to joining an English club. The news surprised the players, particularly because Ahoka had made only four first-team appearances for Antwerp.

The DR Congo Under-23 international’s rapid progress this summer has nevertheless placed him on the verge of a significant move. His expected transfer would also bring a major financial change, with reports indicating that his salary could rise fifteen-fold at Sunderland. No figures were given for his current wages or his proposed earnings in England.

Van Helden acknowledged that Antwerp would feel Ahoka’s departure but said the Belgian club would benefit from the incoming transfer fee. He also pointed to Mauricio Benítez’s return and Scottie Christopher Scott’s ability to regain possession and operate effectively in tight areas as options for the team.

The draw with Genk extended a match in which Antwerp recovered from a three-goal deficit to take one point. Ahoka’s absence was therefore notable as the club completed its comeback while negotiations over his move were nearing completion.