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Anderlecht owner Marc Coucke has publicly explained why the Belgian giants were forced into selling Nilson Angulo to Sunderland in a blockbuster €20 million January transfer — and his comments have sparked fresh debate over whether the Black Cats may have pulled off a major coup.
Speaking on De Tafel van Gert, Coucke lifted the lid on the financial pressure behind Angulo’s sudden departure, admitting the club’s failure to qualify for European competition left them with little room to manoeuvre.
Coucke: Missing Europe Left Anderlecht With a Big Problem
According to reports from Voetbal 24, Coucke made it clear that Anderlecht’s budget was hit hard after missing out on European football, and the club simply couldn’t afford to keep hold of all their top assets.
With revenue reduced, the board felt they had only one realistic option: sell a valuable player to stabilise the club’s finances.
> “If you don’t play European football for a season, you’re in a situation where you have to sell to keep the club healthy,” Coucke admitted.
That reality meant even fan frustration couldn’t change the outcome.
Why Angulo Was the Obvious Sale
Angulo was signed for just €1.9 million in 2022, and Coucke viewed Sunderland’s €20m offer as the kind of massive profit Anderlecht simply couldn’t ignore.
Despite the anger among supporters over losing a key player mid-season, the club hierarchy stuck firmly to their decision, seeing it as a necessary sacrifice for long-term stability.
Sunderland Move Quickly After Adingra Exit
Sunderland wasted no time capitalising, snapping up the 22-year-old Ecuadorian international right on deadline day.
The deal came at the perfect moment for Regis Le Bris, especially after Simon Adingra’s surprise exit to AS Monaco left a glaring hole in Sunderland’s attack.
Adingra had only arrived in the summer, but his rapid departure forced Sunderland into the market — and Angulo was seen as an ideal replacement.
A Risky €20m Gamble… Or a Brilliant One?
Spending €20 million on a Belgian Pro League winger is never without danger, but Sunderland clearly believe they’ve signed a player ready to step up.
Angulo’s numbers this season suggest serious quality, with seven goals and eight assists in 30 matches, showing he has both creativity and end product.
His growing reputation is also backed up by his international status, as he has become a regular for Ecuador’s national team, proving he can perform under pressure.
Even better, his playing style reportedly mirrors Adingra’s ability to create chances and stretch defences — something Sunderland desperately need to maintain their attacking identity.
Did Sunderland Overpay? Or Will This Look Like a Steal?
On paper, the fee looks steep. But in today’s market, clubs must pay premium prices for young, proven attackers with international pedigree.
If Angulo adapts quickly and carries his Belgian form into English football, Sunderland fans could soon be calling this transfer a bargain rather than a gamble.
Ultimately, Anderlecht sold because they had to — but Sunderland may have benefited massively.
Now, the pressure shifts to Angulo himself to justify the price tag and prove he belongs at the Stadium of Light.
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