Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has confirmed that Simon Adingra’s pursuit of consistent first-team football was the key factor behind his £21 million transfer to Sunderland.
The 23-year-old winger was officially unveiled as a Sunderland player earlier this week, becoming the latest marquee signing under Régis Le Bris as the Black Cats prepare for their Premier League return. The transfer fee is believed to be around £21 million.
Adingra joined Brighton from FC Nordsjaelland in 2022 and made 73 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals. He spent the 2022–23 season on loan with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise before returning to Brighton, where he earned a regular spot under then-manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Hürzeler praised Adingra’s contribution but acknowledged the player’s need for more consistent playing time.
“I really enjoyed working with Simon, and he’s made a great impact during his time here,” Hürzeler said. “But he’s reached a point where regular minutes are crucial for his development, and with the competition we have in wide areas, we couldn’t guarantee that. Sunderland offers him that chance, and we all wish him the very best.”
Last season, Adingra featured 29 times in the Premier League – starting 12 matches – and also played in all eight of Brighton’s Europa League games. He was a standout for Ivory Coast during their victorious 2024 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, assisting both goals in the 2–1 win over Nigeria in the final and earning Man of the Match honors.
His arrival marks another bold step in Sunderland’s recruitment strategy as they gear up for their first Premier League season since 2016–17.
Adingra on Why He Chose Sunderland
Simon Adingra revealed that his decision to join Sunderland was shaped by in-depth talks with head coach Régis Le Bris and chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
“It’s all about the project,” Adingra said. “After speaking with the manager and owner, I felt their belief in me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of what they’re building here. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and get to work. It’s an honour to be here, and I believe we can achieve something special together.”
The Ivory Coast international also credited his national teammate Amad Diallo, who had a successful loan spell at Sunderland, for influencing his decision.
“Amad spoke very highly of the club,” Adingra added. “He told me it’s a massive club, and that definitely helped me make the choice.”
Looking ahead, Adingra believes he can make a major impact.
“I bring top-level experience, pace, and creativity in the final third,” he said. “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream for me. I know the challenges are big—we’ll face some of the best players in the world—but I’m ready. I love to dribble, use my speed, score goals and create chances.”
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