Sunderland strike £8m agreement for Jules Ahoka as transfer business accelerates

Sunderland have reportedly reached an £8million agreement to sign Royal Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka as Regis Le Bris looks to accelerate his squad rebuild before the transfer deadline.

The Black Cats have experienced a relatively quiet summer so far, with Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie the only major additions.

However, that looks set to change following Sunderland's disappointing 2-1 opening-day defeat at Ipswich Town.

According to Sky Sports News, Sunderland have agreed an £8m deal with Royal Antwerp for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder.

Ahoka has also agreed personal terms and has been given permission to travel to Wearside for his medical.

Reports in Belgium claim the DR Congo international will receive a significant salary increase after completing his move to the Premier League.

His expected departure has moved quickly considering he has made only a handful of appearances for Antwerp.

Ahoka was absent from Antwerp's dramatic 4-4 draw with Genk as his transfer progressed.

Teammate Rein van Helden admitted the squad were surprised when informed that Ahoka was closing in on a Premier League move.

“Everyone looked at each other thinking, ‘Huh?! How is that possible, after barely four matches for Antwerp?’” he said.

“When you see the steps he has taken this summer, that was truly fantastic. I hope he does well.”

The move represents a significant opportunity for Sunderland to add another young player with considerable development potential.

Ahoka is now expected to complete his medical before finalising his move to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are unlikely to stop there, with Le Bris needing further reinforcements as the club looks to address the weaknesses exposed against Ipswich before the window closes.

Which position should Sunderland prioritise after completing the signing of Jules Ahoka?