Sunderland transfer news continues to make headlines after their dramatic late swoop for Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré from Ajax on deadline day. The newly promoted Premier League side, under Régis Le Bris, acted quickly to secure attacking reinforcements before the window shut.
What looked like a frantic move for Sunderland turned out to be a perfectly timed opportunity for Ajax’s director of football Alex Kroes, who was only too happy to offload Traoré at the eleventh hour.
Verweij: “Kroes Must Have Thought, I Need to Sell”
Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, via Voetbal Primeur, explained how the deal suited Kroes’ long-term plan:
“I think Kroes was very shocked when it was suggested within the club: if Brobbey is gone, we can play in the Champions League, Eredivisie, and KNVB Cup with Weghorst and Traoré as second strikers. Then he must have thought I have to sell Traoré really quickly, because then I might actually get permission to sign Kasper Dolberg.” — Mike Verweij, Voetbal Primeur
Kroes quickly used the funds freed by Sunderland’s double swoop to bring Kasper Dolberg back from Anderlecht — a striker he considered a significant upgrade on Traoré.
Why Ajax Were Relieved
According to Verweij, Ajax’s board were willing to risk starting the season with Wout Weghorst and Traoré as options, given the club’s shaky finances. But Kroes and his colleagues insisted on pursuing Dolberg to avoid a weak frontline.
“People really thought it was a great idea to start the season with Traoré and Weghorst. That wasn’t a good idea, of course… so I think they can ultimately count themselves lucky with Dolberg’s arrival,” Verweij added.
Sunderland’s Gamble on Traoré
For Sunderland, the move brings an experienced winger with Champions League pedigree. Traoré made 49 appearances for Ajax last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists. His arrival, alongside Brobbey, is seen as a statement that the newly promoted side are willing to take risks to stay competitive in the Premier League.
Traoré’s 2024/25 Season Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Bertrand Traoré |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 49 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Competitions | Eredivisie, Europe, KNVB Cup |
source: Ajax / Voetbal Primeur – 5 September 2025
The numbers highlight a player capable of delivering across competitions, even if Ajax saw him as expendable once Dolberg became available.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Sunderland’s late gamble could work for both sides:
“For Sunderland, Traoré is a proven European winger who adds depth and experience to a squad battling Premier League survival. For Ajax, moving him on at the right moment was crucial to finance Dolberg’s return. Both clubs walk away with what they needed most.”
He adds:
“This transfer shows how chaotic deadline day can still produce logical outcomes — Sunderland plug gaps in attack, Ajax upgrade their frontline, and Kroes gets the signing he wanted all along.”
Key Insights
- Sunderland sealed Brobbey and Traoré from Ajax on deadline day.
- Ajax DoF Alex Kroes used the deal to finance Kasper Dolberg’s return.
- Journalist Mike Verweij says Kroes was delighted to offload Traoré.
- Traoré produced 10 goals and 8 assists in 49 games last season.
- Sunderland take a gamble on experience, Ajax secure an upgrade.
What’s Next for Sunderland and Ajax?
Sunderland will hope Traoré and Brobbey settle quickly to provide goals and assists vital for Premier League survival. Their clash against top-six contenders later this month will be an early test of whether the late spending spree pays off.
Ajax, meanwhile, move forward with Dolberg leading the line. For Kroes, the deadline day chaos turned into an opportunity to reshape the squad exactly as he wanted.
Did Sunderland land a coup with Bertrand Traoré — or did Ajax offload him at the perfect moment?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 5 Sep 2025 19:13
Traore had a good season, but he’s only 29 sometimes he looked like he was 39 playing for Ajax
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