Royal Antwerp’s Jules Ahoka is closing in on completing a move to Sunderland this summer.
Two days ago, Sport Witness covered multiple reports from Belgium explaining that he’s on the verge of joining Sunderland.
The Premier League side have been working on finalising a €10m agreement with Royal Antwerp.
Sunderland to increase salary significantly
At the weekend, the Jupiler Pro League side settled for a 4-4 draw against KRC Genk in the league.
Rein Van Helden, who played the full 90 minutes, spoke about Royal Antwerp’s comeback and Jules Ahoka’s impending move to Sunderland.
Het Laatste Nieuws, who have relayed his comments, state the 20-year-old will ‘increase his salary fifteen-fold’ at the Stadium of Light.
There’s no mention of his current wages or what he will receive at Sunderland. The Belgian club will earn a fee of around €10m from his sale.
Sunderland move imminent
KRC Genk were leading 4-1 before three quick goals from Royal Antwerp in the final quarter saw them settle for a point. Sunderland’s interest saw Jules Ahoka miss this tie.
Rein Van Helden confirms the defensive midfielder’s decision to leave has come as a surprise.
“On Friday morning, we suddenly heard in the meeting that Jules wouldn’t be training with the team because a deal was imminent with a Premier League side,” he said.
“Everyone looked at each other thinking: ‘Huh?! How is that possible, after barely four matches for Antwerp?’. When you see the steps he has taken this summer, that was truly fantastic. I hope he does well.”
The DR Congo U23 international played only four matches for the first team. Despite this, the centre-back admits Royal Antwerp will miss him.
“We are going to miss him, yes. But money is coming in for the club,” Van Helden explained.
“We also have Mauricio [Benítez] returning and Scottie [Christopher Scott] who recovers the ball in tight spaces and is strong technically.”
Key transfer points
- Sunderland closing in on signing defensive midfielder
- Black Cats offering €10m fee, increase salary by 15X
- Teammate confirms player’s transfer is “imminent”
- Ahoka’s exit is a sporting loss for Royal Antwerp
