Sunderland AFC have endured a largely slow summer transfer window, welcoming just Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie this far - but that looks to change over the next week
Jules Ahoka kicks the ball
Sunderland are said to have reached an agreement for Jule Ahoka(Image: Getty)
Sunderland AFC are expected to have a busy week ahead as they scramble for reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window closing.
A little over a week remains for the Black Cats to welcome new arrivals and facilitate further departures, with deadline day landing on September 2.
Regis Le Bris will have a brilliant idea as to what is needed following Saturday's Premier League opener with a newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road, suffering a 2-1 loss to the Tractor Boys via a shoddy defensive performance and a lack of creativity in the final third.
Thankfully for Sunderland fans, it appears as though the wheels are in motion for a number of new arrivals ahead of the close of the window, with Chronicle Live breaking down all of the latest news below...
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An £8m 'agreement'
Reports from Sky Sports News emerged last week that Sunderland had agreed an £8million deal with Royal Antwerp for 20-year-old defensive-midfielder, Jules Ahoka.
The broadcaster also confirmed that the DR Congo international had agreed personal terms with the Black Cats, and had been granted permission to travel to Wearside for a medical.
As per Het Laatste Nieuws, Ahoka will see his salary increase 'fifteen-fold' at the Stadium of Light, reflecting his importance to the team. It is unknown what his current wages are, or what he will receive at Sunderland.
The midfielder misses Antwerp's 4-4 clash with Genk at the weekend, with Rein van Helden confirming that he was surprised to learn of Ahoka's imminent departure.
He said: "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.
"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."
Premier League Tickets 26/27 Sea
LONDRINA, BRAZIL - MAY 13: Riquelme Fillipi of Palmeiras (R) fights for the ball during the Copa Do Brasil 2026 match between Jacuipense and Palmeiras at Estádio do Café on May 13, 2026 in Londrina, Brazil. (Photo by Paulo H. Dias/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Chronicle Live's Aaron Morris says: If the reports regarding Ahoka's current ability and future potential ring true, then a fee of around £8m for the talent is an absolute steal. It has been clear since Sunderland qualified for Europa League football in May that another face is required in the engine room, given Granit Xhaka cannot be expected to play every game this season at 33.
Sunderland also have a knack for identifying young, competent players who are able to develop and hold their own in the Premier League, with Noah Sadiki impressing in his first season on English soil following his arrival from Union Saint Gilloise 12 months ago while Nilson Angulo has also showed signs of promise.
With club captain Xhaka set to serve as a mentor for Ahoka, the sky is the limit for how far the youngster will be able to progress.
Brazilian wonderkid lined up
As per Ontheminute Sunderland are also eyeing a move for Palmeiras winger, Riquelme Fillipi, as they look to provide more creativity in attack.
The Red and White Army are currently monitoring the 19-year-old's situation, with no official bid submitted just yet.
The Black Cats are struggling to provide a threat on the right-hand side of the pitch, with Trai Hume failing to make any sort of mark against Ipswich, albeit, his best position is at full-back.
Fillipi could solve that issue, considering he managed 22 goals in 42 games for Palmeiras in 2025 at U20 level.. However, Sunderland will also face stiff competition in the race to secure the Brazilian, with Nottingham Forest also interested.
Riquelme Fillipi battles for the ball
Riquelme Fillipi is being monitored by Sunderland(Image: Getty)
Chronicle Live's Aaron Morris says: The statistics from last season show that Fillipi would be an asset to Sunderland in 2026/27, especially considering how much the Black Cats have struggled on the right for the past couple of years.
Hume is undoubtedly better suited at right-back, showing an inability to beat his man or prove any real attacking threat at the weekend, while Chemsdine Talbi has struggled for consistency.
Jocelin Ta Bi, as impressive as he looked in pre-season is arguably a player for the future, and needs to continue to develop before he's ready for consistent first-team football.
My only worry is that Fillipi may be widely-viewed in a similar light to Ta Bi, in that he also needs to progress away from Regis Le Bris' first team before he's ready to make the step up.
If that is the case, then Sunderland need to put their undivided attention into finding a Prem-ready attacker - and go all out for either Geny Catamo, Ernest Poku, Mathias Soule, or dare I say it, Amad Diallo.