Sunderland Signs Dutch Striker Brian Brobbey From Ajax

Sunderland have signed Dutch striker Brian Brobbey from Ajax on a five-year contract for an initial fee of around £17 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total to approximately £21.5 million. Brobbey, 23, who was named Eredivisie Player of the Season in 2023-24, becomes Sunderland's 14th summer signing and replaces Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu, who returned to Stamford Bridge early due to a striker shortage caused by an injury to Liam Delap. The forward has a strong record with Ajax, scoring 56 goals in 163 appearances, and has been capped eight times for the Netherlands. Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, highlighted Brobbey as a unique addition with the ambition to significantly enhance the team's attacking options. Brobbey expressed excitement about joining Sunderland, citing conversations with Nordi Mukiele and the club's family-like atmosphere, while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of leaving Ajax and the opportunity to play in the Premier League. This transfer underscores Sunderland's aggressive summer spending, totaling nearly £160 million as they prepare for their Premier League campaign.