Simon Adingra’s €16m Ajax future questioned as Sunderland winger faces injury setback

Sunderland winger Simon Adingra faces uncertainty over his long-term future at Ajax after injuries disrupted the opening months of his loan spell, with the Dutch club potentially seeking another left winger in January.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international joined Ajax in September on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy, reportedly worth approximately €16million.

However, Adingra has managed just one Eredivisie appearance under manager Míchel, prompting questions about whether Ajax can justify a permanent deal.

Adingra moved to Amsterdam from Sunderland on 2 September, hoping to secure regular first-team football after spending the second half of last season on loan at Monaco.

An ankle problem delayed his Ajax debut until 10 October, when he came off the bench during a 1-1 draw against NEC Nijmegen.

The winger replaced Viktor Tsygankov in the 60th minute but has since suffered another injury setback.

According to Algemeen Dagblad journalist Johan Inan, Adingra is not expected to return until after November's international break.

That would leave him with limited time to establish himself before the January transfer window.

Ajax have also faced difficulties finding a consistent solution on the left wing, with Abdellah Ouazane and Oscar Gloukh among the players used in the position.

Speaking on the AD Voetbalpodcast, Inan questioned whether Ajax could justify the reported cost of signing Adingra permanently.

"That purchase option is actually set too high as well," Inan said.

The comments, translated from Dutch, reflect concerns about Ajax's transfer budget and the winger's lack of opportunities to demonstrate his value.

Dutch reporting has placed the purchase option at approximately €16million, while the loan fee and associated salary costs have been reported at around €3.8million.

Ajax officially confirmed that the agreement with Sunderland includes an option to buy but did not disclose its value.

Inan also suggested the club should consider strengthening its attacking options during the winter transfer window.

"The left-wing position is perhaps the spot Ajax can best strengthen this coming winter."

The journalist believes Ajax need greater pace and attacking depth on the flank, particularly while Adingra remains unavailable.

However, there is no confirmation that Ajax have decided to sign another winger or abandon their option to buy the Sunderland loanee.

Adingra joined Sunderland from Brighton in July 2025 but struggled to establish himself at the Stadium of Light.

He made 15 appearances during his initial spell with the Black Cats, scoring once, before joining Monaco on loan for the second half of the season.

The Ivory Coast international registered three goals and two assists in 17 appearances for the French club, although Monaco did not retain him permanently.

Ajax subsequently offered Adingra another opportunity to rebuild his form and secure regular playing time.

However, injuries have limited his involvement in Amsterdam, and his future will depend partly on whether he can establish himself after returning to fitness.

Ajax's reported €16million purchase option gives the Dutch club a route to a permanent agreement, but it does not oblige them to complete the transfer.

If the option is not exercised, Adingra would be due to return to Sunderland when his season-long loan ends.

Adingra will continue his recovery, with a return to action expected after the November international break if his rehabilitation progresses as anticipated.

Ajax will then have an opportunity to assess his fitness and performances before the January transfer window.

The club must also decide whether additional left-wing reinforcements are needed, while a final decision on Adingra's reported €16million purchase option is likely to depend on his contribution over the remainder of the season.