Sunderland close in on Royal Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka move

Sunderland are in advanced negotiations to sign Royal Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka, with the 20-year-old reportedly close to completing a move to England. The Belgian club are expected to seek more than €10 million for the Democratic Republic of Congo Under-23 international, although the two sides have not yet settled the transfer terms.

Ahoka has been left out of Royal Antwerp’s squad for their match against KRC Genk as talks over his future progress. He also stopped training after the club’s pre-match media session, increasing the expectation that he will leave before the summer transfer window closes.

The proposed move would be a major change for a player who joined Antwerp from AC Normands last September for about €150,000. He has made four first-team appearances for the Belgian side, including two during the current season. His contract runs until 2029, while his estimated market value is €300,000.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is seeking midfield reinforcements, and Ahoka has emerged as an alternative target after Napoli rejected an offer for Frank Anguissa and placed a €20 million valuation on the Cameroon international. Ahoka is said to favour the move to the Premier League club for sporting and financial reasons.

Antwerp manager Marvin Compper had spoken positively about Ahoka before the midfielder was removed from the squad. He described the youngster as physically strong and improving in possession, while indicating that he could develop from a substitute into an important member of the team.

Ahoka’s departure would leave Antwerp facing the loss of a player who has had limited senior football but is regarded internally as having significant room for growth. For Sunderland, the deal would represent a surprise investment in a developing defensive midfielder as they continue to reshape their squad.