Sunderland set to sign Congolese midfielder Jules Ahoka

Sunderland are close to completing the signing of Congolese midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp. An agreement has been reached between the clubs, while the player has also accepted the personal terms offered by the Premier League club. Ahoka has been authorised to travel to England for a medical this weekend, the final requirement before Sunderland can formally confirm his arrival.

The transfer is expected to cost about £8 million, or approximately €9.3 million. Ahoka is set to join a Sunderland squad that has started the 2026 Premier League season in 15th place. The club have no points from their opening match, with one winless game ending in a 2-1 defeat on the season’s results record. The move would add a new midfield option as Sunderland continue their campaign.

Their recent form outside that league fixture includes three victories, one draw and one defeat. Sunderland beat York 5-1, defeated Chelsea 2-1 and won 3-1 at Everton. They also drew 0-0 with Manchester United before losing 4-2 at Liverpool. The next scheduled league match is against Fulham on August 30. Ahoka’s medical will determine whether the transfer can move to its formal completion ahead of that fixture.