Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has admitted he held various conversations with Black Cats players ahead of joining Ajax this week.
Ajax’s official website have an interview with the 24-year-old today after he completed a deadline day move to the Dutch club.
The forward has joined on loan until the end of the season, with the agreement also including a purchase option.
It’s his second straight loan deal away from Sunderland after spending the second half of last season at Monaco.
Sunderland conversations
He only joined Sunderland last summer from Brighton as part of their summer build upon returning to the Premier League. But he now finds himself surplus to requirements, particularly following the deal for Malick Fofana.
The plan is to get back on track at Ajax, and he asked former players about the move before deciding on it.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be an Ajax player,” he said.
“Ajax is a good environment, and I think the style of play suits my own style very well. My game is about one-on-one situations and combining with teammates. I think Ajax is a perfect team for me.
“I know Bertrand Traoré, too. Brian (Brobbey) told me this is his home and that I can ask him if I need anything. I know Kudus from the academy in Ghana. I hope I do just as well here as he has.”
Reunions from Monaco
He will also be helped by the fact that he is reuniting with Caio Henrique and Thilo Kehrer from his time at AS Monaco.
“It helps me settle in. They’re good people, and it helps me both on and off the pitch,” he added.
For now, the focus is on getting fit and then establishing himself for a season in which Ajax want to get back to the top of the table in the Netherlands.
“I spoke to the coach, and he told me about the plan and the project,” the Sunderland winger concluded.
“He spoke about the ambitions to become champions and play in the UEFA Champions League next season. And that’s what you want as a player.”
