Sunderland are on the brink of completing a marquee signing, having struck a £26m agreement with Ajax for Dutch striker Brian Brobbey. The deal is structured at £21.7m (€25m) upfront with a further £4.3m (€5m) in add-ons.
The 23-year-old, who featured heavily for Ajax last season, arrives to provide firepower to a Black Cats side that has started the 2025/26 Premier League season in superb form. Régis Le Bris’ men are currently 5th in the table after two wins and a draw in their opening three matches, surprising many pundits with their early momentum.
Brobbey’s Arrival and Sunderland’s Ambition
This transfer underlines Sunderland’s determination to continue their rise since promotion. Having already signed the likes of Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Enzo Le Fée, they have now added a striker with pedigree in European competition.
“Sunderland have now agreed a £26m deal in principle with Ajax for Brian Brobbey. Only final details remain.” — Deadline day transfer coverage
For Brobbey, the move represents a chance to prove himself in the Premier League after scoring consistently in the Eredivisie but sometimes struggling to convince in Europe. Sunderland hope he will add goals to complement their energetic midfield and fast transitions.
Brian Brobbey — 2024/25 Season at Ajax
| Stat (2024/25) | Brian Brobbey |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Big Chances Created | 8 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 1.2 |
| Average Sofascore Rating | 6.9 |
source: Sofascore – 2024/25
While his scoring record last season wasn’t prolific, Brobbey’s physical presence and ability to bring others into play could make him a strong fit for Le Bris’ system.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William said:
“This is an eye-catching deal. Brobbey might not have posted elite goal numbers last season, but his work rate, hold-up play and ability to press from the front make him a tactical fit for Sunderland’s high-energy style under Le Bris.”
He added:
“The bigger picture is Sunderland’s recruitment. From Diarra to Le Fée and now Brobbey, they’re building a squad with depth and quality that could genuinely push for the top half this season.”
Key Insights
- Sunderland agree £26m deal for Brian Brobbey from Ajax.
- Deal structured as £21.7m + £4.3m in add-ons.
- Brobbey: 44 appearances, 7 goals, 6 assists last season.
- Sunderland currently 5th in the Premier League under Régis Le Bris.
- Club already signed Diarra, Adingra, Le Fée and others this summer.
What’s Next?
Brobbey will travel for his medical and finalise personal terms before being unveiled as Sunderland’s latest signing. If registered in time, he could make his debut after the international break.
For Sunderland, this addition signals intent. They have invested heavily this summer, and early performances suggest their ambition is matched on the pitch. With Brobbey leading the line, fans will believe a push for Europe is no longer unrealistic.
Will Brian Brobbey be the striker to fire Sunderland into the Premier League’s top half?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 1 Sep 2025 10:13
Don’t look at the stats. Sunderland just landed a really good striker! He had a lot of missed chances at Ajax but whenever he played Ajax played 4 times better. His finishing will get there, Sunderland will really love him and he’ll make it!
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