Sunderland snap up DR Congo prospect Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp

The 20-year-old midfielder arrives at the Stadium of Light after making an encouraging breakthrough in the Belgian top flight last season. He originally moved to Antwerp from AC Normands in his native DR Congo.

Ahoka becomes Sunderland's third signing of the summer, following Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and has been given the No. 29 shirt.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said the club had been monitoring Ahoka closely and believes he has the qualities to develop into an important player.

"Jules is a player we have been following closely, and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for his age," Ghisolfi told the club website.

"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."

Ahoka is excited by the opportunity to play in the Premier League, a competition he regularly watched while growing up.

"I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland," Ahoka said.

"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."

The midfielder admitted his move from Africa to Europe was challenging initially but believes his hard work helped him adapt.

"At first it was difficult for me to come from Africa and play in Europe, but I applied myself to the process and overcame those hurdles," he said.

"I worked hard in training and started the season and played well."

Ahoka will also have a familiar face in the Sunderland squad in the form of fellow DR Congo international Noah Sadiki.

"I'm really happy to be here with Noah – he's a good friend and that's really useful," he said.

"We didn't get to play together for the Congo national team, as they had left for the tournament before I was subsequently called up, but I'm really happy to get together now."

Ahoka also sees captain Granit Xhaka and Sadiki as players he can learn from as he adjusts to English football.

"I've still got a lot of learning to do, so I can do that from watching how Granit and Noah play as I learn to adapt," he added.

The signing takes the number of African players in Sunderland's squad to seven, with Ahoka joining Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Jocelin Ta Bi.

Ahoka could make his Sunderland debut against Fulham on Sunday if he is cleared to play. The Black Cats will be looking to respond after beginning their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town.