🌍 “Bigger Than Football? Sunderland Arrival Being Treated as Historic Moment”

‘Once Unthinkable’ – Ecuador Celebrates Sunderland Signing as Angulo’s Arrival Sparks National Pride

Nilson Angulo’s move to Sunderland has triggered a wave of excitement back home, with Ecuadorian media hailing the transfer as a landmark moment for the nation’s footballing reputation.

The 22-year-old winger sealed his switch from Anderlecht to the Black Cats on winter deadline day in a deal Belgian outlets say could be worth €17.3 million plus add-ons. Angulo arrives after an impressive spell in Belgium, where he registered seven goals and eight assists in 30 appearances this season, underlining why Sunderland moved decisively to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

Not everyone agreed with the timing of his departure. Fellow Ecuadorian and former Premier League striker Felipe Caicedo suggested Angulo might have earned a transfer to a more established top-flight side had he waited until the summer window. But that caution hasn’t dulled the mood in Ecuador, where the transfer is being framed as a breakthrough.

Newspaper *Diario Extra* describes the deal as a source of national pride, pointing to images circulating online of Angulo posing with a Sunderland shirt bearing the No.10. Although the club has yet to officially confirm squad numbers, the symbolism alone has stirred huge emotion. According to the publication, the idea of an Ecuadorian footballer wearing the iconic No.10 jersey for a club competing in what they call the world’s most demanding league “would have seemed impossible decades ago.”

The number is being interpreted as more than just a shirt — it’s viewed as a show of belief. Reports suggest Ecuadorian outlets see it as a signal of trust from head coach Régis Le Bris, the club hierarchy and even the supporters, who are said to be backing the youngster’s potential to shine in English football.

Diario Expreso echoes that sentiment, telling readers Sunderland’s decision reflects full confidence in Angulo’s ability to make an impact. The move is being portrayed not just as a personal step forward, but as another milestone in Ecuador’s growing presence on the global stage.

Angulo may not have to wait long to justify the hype. Sunderland head to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal this weekend, and Le Bris has confirmed the new arrival is in contention to feature. A debut on such a stage would only amplify the sense back home that something historic is unfolding.