Sunderland have confirmed the signing of DR Congo youth international Jules Ahoka from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
The 20-year-old joins the Black Cats after enjoying a breakthrough campaign in the Belgian top flight last season. He initially moved to Antwerp from AC Normands in his native DR Congo.
With this, Ahoka becomes Sunderland’s third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalieat the Stadium of Light.
The DR Congo youth international has been handed the No. 29 shirt and is expected to add energy, strength and defensive bite to Regis Le Bris’ squad.
“Jules is a player we have been following closely, and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for hisSunderland’s Director of Football, Florent 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.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.”
Having impressed during his spell at Royal Antwerp, the midfielder is keen on experiencing the English top flight, a competition he followed on television growing up.
He also promised to give his best for Sunderland as he aims to help the Black Cats achieve its goals and enjoy a successful season.
“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,”Ahoka told Sunderland media.
“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.”
Image: Ahoka delighted to realise Premier League dream
Having impressed during his spell at Royal Antwerp, the midfielder is keen on experiencing the English top flight, a competition he followed on television growing up.
He also promised to give his best for Sunderland as he aims to help the Black Cats achieve its goals and enjoy a successful season.
“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,”Ahoka told Sunderland media.
“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.”
He added: “It’s an exciting start for me. I’ve always watched the Premier League on TV and I’m thrilled to be here.
“Now, it’s up to me to give everything I can to help the Club go as far as possible.”
“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.
“I worked hard in training and started the season and played well.”
Ahoka relishing chance to learn from Xhaka and Sadiki
Ahoka’s arrival at Sunderland takes the number of African players in the club’s squad to seven. He joins Morocco’s Chemsdine Talbi, Mozambique’s Reinildo, Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra, DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki, and Ivory Coast duo Simon Adingra and Jocelin Ta Bi.
The midfielder is particularly pleased to reunite with compatriot Sadiki, who is already an established member of Regis Le Bris’ squad.
He also sees the opportunity to learn from Sunderland captain and experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka.
“I’m really happy to be here with Noah – he’s a good friend and that’s really useful,” he added.
“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.
“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.”
Barring any issues, Ahoka could make his debut when the Black Cats host Fulham in their next Premier League fixture.
The new signing will be hoping to help Sunderland return to winning ways after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in their opening league game of the season.
Also, the 20-year-old will be eager to make an immediate impact as the team prepares for a busy campaign that also includes Europa League football.
