Jules Ahoka deal close as Antwerp teammate details dressing-room surprise | OneFootball

Sunderland are closing in on Jules Ahoka after a Royal Antwerp teammate said the dressing room were taken aback by developments around the midfielder.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Premier League club have agreed a deal with Antwerp and the 20-year-old, who has permission to travel to the North East for a medical. The fee has been put at around €10million.

Interest gathered pace after Sunderland initially played down links to the DR Congo youth international. Ahoka has made only four senior appearances for Antwerp, including two Belgian Pro League starts this season, yet his recent progress has stood out.

He joined Antwerp from AC Normands Sport in DR Congo in September 2025 and is under contract until 2029. Ahoka debuted against Genk in May and has since forced his way into the first-team picture.

Rein van Helden said the squad were told on Friday morning that Ahoka would not train because a deal with a Premier League side was imminent, a message that surprised teammates given his limited game time. He added that the strides Ahoka has made were outstanding and wished him well.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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