Sunderland sign Simon Adingra from Brighton for £21m
The newly-promoted Premier League side are continuing to splash the cash.
Sunderland have completed the permanent signing of winger Simon Adingra from Brighton, signing the Ivory Coast international on a five-year deal.
The 23-year-old joins the Black Cats for a reported fee of £21 million plus performance-related add-ons, becoming the club’s sixth acquisition of a busy summer window.
Adingra originally signed with Brighton in 2022 from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, before spending the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Belgian outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Last season, he featured 29 times in the Premier League for Brighton, registering two goals and two assists.
Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Adingra said for the first time as a new player: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started.
“The club and the project are really exciting. I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future.
🇨🇮 Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Simon Adingra!
Moving from Brighton & Hove Albion, the 23-year-old winger has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light 🫡
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 10, 2025
“Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”
The winger played a key role in Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, assisting both goals in their 2-1 final victory over Nigeria.
His performances earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
Adingra joins a list of new faces at the Stadium of Light, including Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, and Chemsdine Talbi, as Sunderland prepare for their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17.