Transfer window: Jules Ahoka set to join Sunderland for nearly 10 million euros

Jules Ahoka is leaving Belgium for England. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have reached an agreement with Royal Antwerp for the permanent transfer of the Congolese defensive midfielder, in a deal that could reach around 10 million euros. The player has also agreed to personal terms and is set to travel to England for his medical examination.

The transfer is now all but finalized. Ahoka will complete the first part of his medical before signing a five-year contract with Sunderland. The English club has reportedly received permission to bring the player over to finalize the last steps of the deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the fee paid to Antwerp is expected to be around £8.5 million, or nearly 10 million euros including bonuses depending on the agreement's structure. Sunderland sees the young midfielder as a player who can add stability to their midfield.

In Granit Xhaka's shadow

Jules Ahoka is expected to serve as backup to Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, using the veteran's experience as a benchmark. The Congolese's profile—especially his defensive work rate and ability to play in front of the back line—fits the needs of the English club perfectly.

This move marks a dramatic leap for the player, who had only featured in two Belgian league matches for Antwerp this season before the transfer. His switch to England now offers him the chance to continue his development in a much more high-profile league.

A career on the fast track

This move to Sunderland is a major new milestone in Ahoka's rapid rise. The Congolese midfielder leaves Belgium at the very start of his professional journey, having taken his first steps in the Democratic Republic of Congo and then in Europe.

His transfer perfectly illustrates the rapid progression of a player still relatively inexperienced at the top level. In just a few months, Ahoka has gone from the Belgian league to an ambitious English project betting on his potential.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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