SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of midfielder Jules Ahoka from Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
The 20-year-old has joined the Black Cats for a fee of around £8m after breaking through in the Belgian top-flight last season.
Ahoka joined Royal Antwerp last September from AC Normands in his native DR Congo and stepped into the club's senior ranks towards the end of last term, featuring in the end-of-season play-offs.
He has played in both of Antwerp's Jupiler Pro League matches so far this season, and was part of the DR Congo youth squad that finished fourth at this summer's prestigious Toulon Under-20s Tournament.
"Jules is a player we have been following closely and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for his age," said Sunderland's director of football Florent Ghisolfi. "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. We are delighted to welcome him to the club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.”
Ahoka is Sunderland's third signing of the summer following the arrival of full-backs Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie.
A combative defensive midfielder with high levels of athleticism, Ahoka will develop within Sunderland's first-team group and help provide additional cover for the likes of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra.
His arrival could herald the departure of Alan Browne, who spent last season on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
“I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland,” said Ahoka, who has been handed the club's number 29 shirt. “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. I will give everything for the club and I cannot wait to get started.”
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