Wouldn’t that be a story? Simon Adingra returns to Brighton and turns on the style to show them just what they are missing. It’s fair to say his Sunderland career has not taken off to date, and it’s time to stake his claim before the likes of Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traoré return from AFCON.
The fact that Simon Adingra remains at Sunderland is a surprise, as he was expected to be at AFCON. At the last tournament he was the man-of-the-match in the final and the young player of the tournament.
This time around his coach stated he had been excluded due to a lack of game time and form.
After the announcement of his exclusion, Régis Le Bris publicly backed Adingra, restating his belief in him and suggesting he would have all the support he needed to push on, get game time, and secure a place in Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup squad.
Fine words, but to me something doesn’t seem quite right behind the scenes. Our head coach may come across as a calm and collected nice guy, but there is little doubt he has a ruthless streak.
I have always liked Chemsdine Talbi, but despite some shaky moments he was given plenty of opportunity to grow into the Premier League. I was far from convinced by Traoré in his early games, but again Le Bris has persisted, and that approach is starting to pay off. In contrast, Simon Adingra has made four starts and five substitute appearances, but since getting hooked at Manchester United he has done little since.
It was reported that Sunderland paid Brighton £21m for Adingra’s services (including add-ons), making him our third-most-expensive signing of the summer, just a little behind Brobbey on £21.3m. So, should we have expected more?
Signed by Brighton in 2022 but immediately loaned out, Simon Adingra’s breakthrough season was 2023-24 when he scored seven goals over 40 appearances. In 2024-25 he made 33 appearances, scoring five goals, of which two were in the Premiership. In each of his two seasons at Brighton he delivered a couple of assists – not a bad return overall, but not stellar either.
So, with Talbi and Traoré away at AFCON, the Brighton game would seem like the perfect opportunity for Adingra to make a start and show his worth. Except Régis Le Bris may decide on a more conservative approach away from home and go with one conventional winger, or even none at all.
If midfielders are to play on the wings, Le Fée could play on the left flank and/or Rigg on the right. Hume would be another option on the right, but he will probably be needed at left-back.
However, it’s probable Le Fée will remain in his current midfield role unless Rigg or (less likely) Neil make a comeback. Hence the most likely scenario is one winger, and the obvious choice after a couple of decent cameos is Romaine Mundle on the left.
Even if Régis Le Bris decides to go with two wingers, there is still competition as Mayenda is a potential candidate for the right-wing berth. Hence, even with five first-teamers absent, it’s possible (probable even) that Adingra will not get a start.
If Simon Adingra does not get his chance at Brighton, you have to ask: with nearly half the season gone, when will he get his chance? Perhaps the home game against Leeds?
If not in the Leeds game, we have two tough games against Man City and Spurs coming up where Régis Le Bris may again opt for a more conservative formation. With Morocco one of the favourites for AFCON, Talbi probably will not return until the third week of January, but Traoré could be back for the cup game at Everton – so what then?
This is hard to believe only seven months after the play-off final, but it’s possible the club will have consigned a couple of transfer-window scenarios to the bin and will already be reaching for the transfer plan headed “2026-27 season, the push for Europe”.
It’s going to be tough for the current first eleven to keep their place with new arrivals potentially lined up. It’s going to be even harder for those currently struggling for minutes.
I really hope Simon Adingra does make his mark – and soon – because for a newly promoted club £21m is a lot to pay for someone who just warms the bench. I hope he does get that start at Brighton and puts in a man-of-the-match performance. I am more than happy to be proved wrong.
