“Dangerous” Sunderland forward in ‘advanced talks’ to join Ligue 1 giants

Sunderland are close to losing a summer signing already. (Getty)

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has largely been a success story.

Heavy summer investment paid off quickly, and the Black Cats now sit 11th after 23 matches, with a game in hand that could lift them as high as eighth if they see off struggling Burnley.

Several of their new arrivals have hit the ground running, helping Sunderland look comfortable at this level far sooner than expected. However, not every signing has settled in the same way, and one forward in particular has struggled to force his way into regular plans.

With the transfer window nearing its close, that situation could now change.

Sunderland are in advanced negotiations with AS Monaco over a loan move for winger Simon Adingra.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is expected to head to Ligue 1 until the end of the season, with discussions also covering a potential option to make the move permanent in the summer. Sunderland stand to receive a seven-figure loan fee if the deal is finalised.

Adingra arrived on Wearside last summer in a £21m move but has found opportunities limited, registering just one goal in 15 appearances, only 10 of which were starts. Despite flashes of quality, he has been unable to consistently cement a place in the starting XI.

Once labelled “dangerous” by former Brighton teammate Danny Welbeck, Adingra still carries a strong reputation in European circles, and Monaco believe a return to France could reignite his form.

It feels like a disappointing end to a short Sunderland chapter for Adingra, but this could suit all parties. If the Black Cats no longer see him as essential and can recoup a healthy fee, there’s little downside — while the winger gets a fresh platform to revive his career at a Champions League-chasing club.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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