Sunderland target more signings after completing Ahoka deal

Sunderland have completed the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp.

The DR Congo international joins the Black Cats for a fee of around £8m.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: “Jules is a player we have been following closely and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for his age.

“His performances at the Toulon Tournament demonstrated his physicality, defensive qualities and mentality, while he has also gained valuable experience in Belgium.

“He has huge potential and we believe Sunderland is the right environment for him to continue his development.”

Ahoka will wear the number 29 shirt at the Stadium of Light.

“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,” Ahoka said.

“It is a big club with great ambitions, and I am excited to be here.

“I want to work hard, learn from my team-mates and the staff, and continue developing as a player.”

Ahoka is just Sunderland’s third signing of this summer, but the club are hopeful of further bolstering Regis Le Bris’ squad before the window shuts.

Boss Le Bris has urged patience in the window after a busy last summer, insisting the club will not overpay for players.