Dutch Striker Brobbey Makes Deadline Day Move to Sunderland

Sunderland signs Brian Brobbey in record deal

Sunderland confirms the signing of Ajax striker Brian Brobbey on a five-year deal worth €20 million, potentially rising to €25 million with add-ons.

“It feels great to be a Sunderland player. I spoke with Nordi Mukiele, who I know from my...”

Sunderland has secured the signing of Brian Brobbey, a 23-year-old striker from Ajax, on a five-year deal. The reported initial fee for the transfer is €20 million, with potential bonuses worth €5 million, bringing the total to €25 million.

Brobbey's signing marks a significant addition to Sunderland's attacking lineup as they prepare for their Premier League campaign. The 23-year-old striker's experience and skills will be valuable assets for the team as they aim to make an impact in the top flight.

Brian Brobbey's transfer saga began when he left Ajax for RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, just six months after making his debut for the Amsterdam side in October 2020. He then returned to Ajax on a loan deal in January 2022, playing 13 matches and scoring 7 goals in that period. Later that year, Ajax made the move permanent, signing Brobbey on a five-season contract for a transfer fee of €16.35 million, potentially rising to €19.35 million with variables. This deal was finalized in the summer of 2022. Recently, Brobbey has joined Sunderland from Ajax on a five-year deal worth €20 million, with possible bonuses taking the fee to €25 million.

Ajax and @SunderlandAFC have reached an agreement on the transfer of Brian Brobbey.

Wishing you all the best, Brian 🤍♥️🤍

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) September 1, 2025

Brian Brobbey's move to Sunderland comes after a challenging season with Ajax, where he scored just three goals in 30 Eredivisie matches. Across all competitions, the Dutch striker managed only seven goals in 44 games. Despite the slowdown, Brobbey's overall record with Ajax is impressive, with 56 goals in 163 appearances.

Career Stats with Ajax:

• Appearances: 163
• Goals: 56
• Recent Form: 7 goals in 44 games (previous season)

Brobbey had not featured for Ajax this season due to a knee injury sustained during a preseason match against AS Monaco. Sunderland will likely look to Brobbey to bring a goal-scoring boost to their team as they navigate the Premier League.

Transfer Stress for Brian Brobbey

Brian Brobbey's transfer saga took a dramatic turn when he was left out of Ajax's matchday squad for the Eredivisie clash at FC Volendam on Saturday. Manager John Heitinga reportedly left the striker at home due to concerns over his focus, sparking rumors of a potential transfer. It was revealed that Ajax had been in advanced talks with French side Stade Rennes, with an agreement nearly reached, but Brobbey allegedly vetoed the move, unwilling to join the Ligue 1 side.

After the failed Rennes talks, Sunderland stepped in and signed Brobbey on a five-year deal for an initial fee of €20 million, potentially rising to €25 million with bonuses. The 23-year-old striker joins the Black Cats, replacing Marc Guiu, and will compete with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor for a starting spot. Brobbey's move to Sunderland marks the end of his Ajax career, which saw him score 56 goals in 163 appearances.

Brian Brobbey's Excitement About Joining Sunderland

Brian Brobbey expressed his enthusiasm about joining Sunderland, saying, “It feels great to be a Sunderland player. I spoke with Nordi Mukiele, who I know from my time in RB Leipzig, and he told me about the Club, the fans, and how it feels like a family.” He also mentioned, “Can't wait to be part of the passion,” highlighting his eagerness to be part of the Sunderland community.

Sunderland's pursuit of Brobbey was a last-minute effort, finalized on the transfer deadline day. However, the club had reportedly spoken to Brobbey earlier than that, and his conversation with Nordi Mukiele played a significant role in his decision to join the Black Cats. Brobbey joins fellow countrymen Robin Roefs and Lutsharel Geertruida, who joined the club on loan from RB Leipzig.

“I first talked with Sunderland over a month ago, and I have seen the stadium and the fans this season, and I can’t wait to be a part of that passion. It’s emotional to say goodbye to Ajax, as I grew up here and I’m going to miss everyone, but the Premier League is the biggest stage in the world, and I’m ready for this next chapter.”

Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Brian Brobbey! 😍🇳🇱

Moving to Wearside from Ajax, the 23-year-old striker has signed a five-year contract.

✍️ @livescore

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 1, 2025

Brian Brobbey has joined Sunderland from Ajax, replacing Marc Guiu, the Chelsea loanee who returned to London after Liam Delap's injury. Brobbey will compete with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor for a spot in Sunderland's starting lineup.

Key Details:

• Transfer Fee: €20 million initial fee, potentially rising to €25 million with bonuses
• Contract: Five-year deal
• Competition: Brobbey will battle with Mayenda and Isidor for a starting spot

Interestingly, Brobbey joins fellow Dutchmen Robin Roefs and Lutsharel Geertruida, who recently joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig. This signing marks a significant addition to Sunderland's squad as they prepare for the Premier League season.