Alious
Simon Adingra’s spell at Sunderland has yet to truly ignite, and growing voices now believe a departure could be the best solution for all involved.
The Ivorian attacker has found opportunities limited since arriving at the Stadium of Light, managing only a handful of Premier League starts. With consistent minutes proving hard to come by, concerns are mounting that his development could stall if his situation doesn’t change soon.
Game Time Key for Growth
For a young forward still refining his game, regular involvement is crucial. Watching from the sidelines offers little benefit, and Sunderland’s current usage of Adingra suggests he is not viewed as a central figure in their long-term plans. A move away — potentially in the summer — is increasingly being framed as a necessary step to unlock his potential.
Despite his struggles for rhythm, Adingra’s natural ability remains unquestioned. The former Brighton man is admired for his technical skill, balance on the ball, and comfort operating on either flank. With the right environment and system, he could still blossom into a highly effective wide threat.
Links to European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Juventus underline that his reputation has not faded entirely, even if his impact in England has been muted.
Concerns Over Suitability to the Premier League
Speaking to *Sport News Africa*, La Nouvelle Chaine Ivoirienne journalist Alex Payne highlighted the physical and tactical demands of English football.
He noted that while Adingra is talented, he may lack the explosiveness and defensive intensity increasingly required in the Premier League, where modern wingers are expected to contribute relentlessly on and off the ball.
Fellow journalist Izoudine Ilupeju echoed the sentiment, suggesting a change of scenery could reignite the winger’s trajectory.
He pointed out that when progress stalls, players must be willing to seek a more suitable platform. Roberto De Zerbi had reportedly been interested in taking Adingra to Marseille, but that opportunity never materialised. Alternative leagues such as France, Germany, Belgium, or the Netherlands were mentioned as environments where he could regain confidence and sharpen his overall game.
Time for Sunderland to Look Elsewhere
Sunderland’s campaign has shown promise, with the club pushing toward a strong league finish. However, maintaining upward momentum may require tough decisions. Moving Adingra on and reinvesting in a winger better suited to immediate first-team demands could be a logical step.
Allowing him to remain a peripheral figure serves neither party well. A summer transfer might represent the clean break needed — giving Sunderland a more impactful option and offering Adingra the fresh start his career appears to need.
Alious
