Sunderland concluded their second and third signings of the summer transfer window last week
Régis Le Bris says new Sunderland signing Jules Ahoka has ‘huge potential’.
Sunderland concluded a deal in the region of €10 million to sign the DR Congo youth international earlier this week, though the midfielder had only made four appearances for Royal Antwerp. The Sunderland head coach confirmed that Ahoka would not be going out on loan before Tuesday night’s deadline (11pm).
“Huge potential,” Le Bris said of Ahoka.
“So we don't know with this kind of player, it could be really quick because you give them an opportunity and they seize it and they say 'I'm comfortable in that position, I'm ready'.
“For the others they need a bit more time so we'll see, but the potential is really impressive. Physically, technically, his understanding of the game already... he connected really well with the lads this week so we'll see.”
Ahoka could go straight into the squad to face Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, but Dayann Methalie will miss out as he serves a one-game suspension picked up at the end of the last Ligue 1 season. Methalie has trained with his new team mates this week following his switch from Toulouse, and Le Bris believes he can make a big impression on Wearside this season and beyond.
“So left back position we had only one before with Rei so it was important to have at least two players in this position,” Le Bris said.
“Dayann is young first of all but with also good experience in France in the first division, he's quick, he can cover and he likes to exploit wide areas and spaces. He's mobile, he likes stability, connection with his teammates but also freedom, he's creative as a player so I think he's going to be different and also build a good connection with the team.”
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While Methalie has played as a centre back earlier in his career, Le Bris says he expects him predominantly to play on the left side.
He said: “It's still possible and we mentioned before that versatility is still useful, I think in modern football it's absolutely useful for the position but also I think we'll have other players to fill this role. So his main position will be on the left side.”