After a slow and frustrating start to life at the Stadium of Light, Brian Brobbey is finally showing signs of finding his rhythm in red and white. The Dutch striker, who joined Sunderland from Ajax this summer for a reported £25 million, was among 15 new arrivals in a bold £163m spending spree led by manager Régis Le Bris.
It’s been far from a dream start for the 23-year-old, whose early weeks in England were disrupted by lingering fitness issues and a lack of match sharpness. But after an assist in the recent 2–1 win over Chelsea and a goal for Sunderland’s Under-21s in midweek, the tide might finally be turning.
First Sunderland Goal Sparks Hope
Brobbey found the net for the first time in a Sunderland shirt on Wednesday night, scoring in a 1–1 draw against RSC Anderlecht Futures in the Premier League International Cup.
The goal may have come at youth level, but it carried real significance. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, Brobbey took on a defender with a confident feint before firing a low strike past the goalkeeper — the sort of instinctive finish that made him a standout talent at Ajax.
More importantly, his all-round play looked sharper. He held the ball up well, linked fluidly with teammates, and showed flashes of the strength and technique that Sunderland fans were promised when he signed. The presence of Anthony Patterson, Luke O’Nien, and Eliezer Mayenda alongside him gave the occasion extra weight — a clear sign the coaching staff were watching closely.
Le Bris himself was in attendance, alongside captain Granit Xhaka, and both will have left impressed by Brobbey’s intent.
“Patience Is Key” – Sunderland Told to Go Slow
Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, speaking to The Echo, believes Sunderland are taking the right approach by easing Brobbey into first-team action.
“If you look at the data around players coming into the Premier League from outside the UK, you’ll see a higher risk of injury incidents. He’s a young guy, in a new environment, with new food, language, climate — all those things matter. The key is removing pressure and allowing him to gradually gain confidence.” — Ben Dinnery, via The Echo
It’s advice Le Bris appears to be heeding. Despite Brobbey’s late cameo against Chelsea and his Under-21 goal, he remains likely to start on the bench when Everton visit Wearside on Monday night. That said, his growing match fitness and morale make him an increasingly tempting option.
Why Everton Could Be His Moment
Sunderland’s next challenge — a physical, high-intensity battle with Everton — might be the perfect test of Brobbey’s readiness. The Toffees’ defensive pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite will pose an aerial and physical challenge, but Brobbey’s strength and low-centre balance could offer a new dimension from the bench.
Le Bris’ men have exceeded expectations this season, currently mid-table and playing fearless, attack-minded football. With confidence growing and competition fierce, Brobbey’s next step will be proving he can translate promise into Premier League productivity.
Our View: Brobbey Needs Minutes, Not Miracles
In our view, Brobbey’s situation calls for measured patience. He’s shown flashes of his Ajax quality — sharp first touches, quick turns, and unselfish movement — but adapting to the Premier League’s tempo takes time.
Sunderland’s fans have seen this movie before: young imports finding their feet slowly before thriving once settled. If Brobbey can stay fit and seize his chances, especially from the bench, the second half of the season could yet belong to him.
“Brobbey has that blend of power and poise that Sunderland have lacked up front in recent years. The Chelsea cameo hinted at what’s to come — he just needs rhythm. Le Bris is handling him well, and once the first league goal comes, confidence will follow.”
Key Insights
- Brian Brobbey scored his first goal for Sunderland in an Under-21 match vs Anderlecht Futures.
- He also provided an assist against Chelsea in his last senior appearance.
- Manager Régis Le Bris and captain Granit Xhaka attended the youth game to monitor his progress.
- Injury expert Ben Dinnery urges patience, warning of adaptation risks for new signings.
- Brobbey is expected to start on the bench against Everton but could feature as an impact substitute.
What’s Next
Sunderland host Everton on 3 November 2025, aiming for a third straight win. If Brobbey can replicate his sharpness from midweek, Le Bris might soon have a new attacking weapon ready to explode.
👉 Sunderland fans — should Brian Brobbey start against Everton, or keep building momentum from the bench?
By John William — FootballPlace.co.uk
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
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By JamesLove 30 Oct 2025 20:11
Brobbey last season for Ajax was very bad finishing, but he was so important for the way Ajax played last year. He could hold up the play, run in to spaces and win his duels easy, the only thing he was lacking was unfortunately his finishing
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