BREAKING : Sunderland agree £20.5m deal to sign Brighton star, medical underway…

Transfer news: Sunderland have reached a £20.5m agreement to acquire Brighton star, with a medical in progress.

Reports indicate that Sunderland are close to finalizing the signing of Simon Adingra.

According to sources, Sunderland has settled on a fee with Brighton and Hove Albion for winger Simon Adingra.

The Black Cats have made a proactive start to the summer transfer window, adding to their growing roster on Wednesday afternoon with the announcement that Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi has joined from Belgian club Club Brugge.

However, it seems that Sunderland may soon secure another wide player, as Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has disclosed that the club is nearing the completion of a deal for Brighton’s Adingra.

What has been discussed regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of Simon Adingra?

The Ivorian was previously associated with a move to the Stadium of Light back in January as part of a potential exchange that would have sent Tommy Watson the other way. Instead, Watson remained at Wearside until the conclusion of last season, netting the goal that ultimately secured Sunderland’s promotion in the Championship play-off final.

Now that the Black Cats have returned to the Premier League, it appears they have rekindled their interest in Adingra. In a post on X, Downie stated: “Sunderland have reached an agreement with Brighton for Simon Adingra. The club will pay Brighton £18m plus £2.5m in add-ons for the winger. The 23-year-old has arrived in the North East via private jet and is currently undergoing a medical examination. Personal terms have also been settled. Sunderland attempted to sign the Ivory Coast international in January in a swap deal for Tommy Watson, but it fell through on Deadline Day.”

Adingra joined Brighton from Belgian team Union SG in 2023 and has since made 73 appearances across all competitions on the south coast, scoring twelve goals and providing five assists.

What comments has Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman made regarding the club’s recent transfer activities?

In the wake of Talbi’s arrival at Wearside, Sunderland’s transfer chief Kristjaan Speakman remarked: “Our momentum and narrative are compelling, and I believe that players of Chemsdine’s quality, who are highly sought after, are thrilled by the opportunity to join Sunderland AFC.

This reflects both our recent achievements and our promising future, indicating that he believes we are the ideal Club for his next chapter.

Primarily operating on the right wing, Chemsdine excels in one-on-one situations and possesses exceptional physical attributes, along with the versatility to play across the front line.

Our fans will justifiably be eager to see him in action, and we are pleased to welcome him to Sunderland.”