Sunderland transfer shock revealed as Jules Ahoka teammate lifts lid on imminent move

Sunderland are closing in on Jules Ahoka, with one Royal Antwerp teammate now revealing the surprise inside the dressing room as the midfielder’s Premier League move nears

Sunderland target Jules Ahoka’s impending move to Wearside came as a surprise inside the Royal Antwerp dressing room, according to team-mate Rein van Helden.

The Black Cats are closing in on a deal for the 20-year-old midfielder after reaching an agreement with Antwerp and the player over a move. Ahoka has been given permission to travel to the North East for a medical, with reports in Belgium putting the fee at around €10million.

The move has developed quickly after Sunderland initially played down links with the DR Congo youth international. Ahoka has made only four appearances for Antwerp, including two starts in the Belgian Pro League this season, but his progress over the summer has caught the eye.

He joined Antwerp from AC Normands Sport in his homeland in September 2025 and is under contract with the Belgian club until 2029. Ahoka made his senior debut against Genk in May and has since pushed his way into the first-team picture. Van Helden has now revealed the moment Antwerp’s players were informed that Ahoka was being held out of training because a Premier League transfer was close.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

“On Friday morning, we suddenly heard during the meeting that Jules wouldn’t be training with the team because a deal with a Premier League team was imminent. Everyone looked at each other thinking: ‘Huh?! How is that possible, after barely four matches for Antwerp?’ But when you see the steps he has taken this summer, that was truly fantastic. I hope he does well.”