What can Sunderland fans expect from Anderlecht’s Ecuadorian star Nilson Angulo? | OneFootball

As reported in various media outlets, Ecuadorian winger Nilson Angulo looks set to leave Anderlecht and join Sunderland. The winger turned down moves to Spain in the summer, but it appears the lure of the Premier League has been too much, and with Sunderland willing to part with €20m, Anderlecht could hardly say no. The 22-year-old becomes the latest to swap the Belgian Pro League for the Stadium of Light, but what can fans of the Black Cats expect from Angulo?

So far, he has been the sides best player this season. Outside of the the teenager Nathan De Cat, Angulo would probably have won a few awards at the club if he had remained until the end of the season. Angulo joined Anderlecht back in 2022 from Ecuadorian side LDU de Quito. He had to bide his time to make an impact and spent the first few seasons with the sides second team, Anderlecht futures. Last season he played more regularly, notching up 39 appearances with two goals and three assists.

Yet, in 30 games so far this season, Angulo has taken a real leap. He has scored seven, leading the side, and provided five assists, also the best at the club alongside Thorgan Hazard. Angulo is a joy to watch out wide, with great feet, decent enough pace and an eye for goal, he is an entertaining player that on his day can produce spectacular moments. He likes to dribble with the ball and try and take on his defender in one on one situations.

For Anderlecht fans, this will be a tough one. The side have been devoid of much entertainment this season and Angulo has been a lone bright spot at times. They are currently in a poor run of form and have just sacked head coach Besnik Hasi. With little time left in the window, the chances of finding a replacement capable of replicating what Angulo has so far this season are slim.

For Angulo, the move also makes sense ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Playing in the Premier League with Sunderland will expose him to higher calibre opposition and should put him in a good position come the summer. Ecuador are going to be a hipster pick for many, with players like Angulo making them one that should be interesting to watch.

Angulo now joins the likes of Chemsdine Talbi and Noah Sadiki in making the move to the North of England. Sunderland fans should hope that he can adapt to the Premier League quickly and be able to take the step up. The talent is certainly there, but we have seen in the past that players from the Pro League have struggled when making the move to England.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson