MusaSunderland confirmed four deadline day deals with Simon Adingra and Adil Aouchiche completing moves in the final hours of the transfer window.
The transfers were tied together – Aouchiche completed a permanent switch to Schalke which freed up one of the international loan places, allowing Adingra to join AS Monaca.
The 24-year-old winger has joined the Ligue 1 side on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. An option to make the transfer permanent is also included in the agreement.
It is believed that Sunderland have secured a seven-figure loan fee for the £21million man, and will recoup the majority of the fee they paid Brighton in the summer should the deal become permanent.
Adingra has made 15 appearances for Regis Le Bris’ side since joining in July but has slipped down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “When considering the balance and priorities of the squad, we felt this was a mutually agreeable opportunity that ensures Simon plays regularly throughout the second part of the season.
“The stature of this move represents the quality and professional characteristics he possesses, in addition to his motivation to play every week. We wish Simon well and will monitor his progress closely.”
Adingra could go into the Monaco squad for their Champions League clash against Paris St Germain as he looks to get his career back on track.
Aouchiche, meanwhile, has joined Schalke 04 in a permanent transfer. The winger was recalled from a season-long loan with Aberdeen and moves to Germany to join the Bundesliga 2 side.
Aouchiche made 38 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions after moving to the Stadium of Light in September 2023.
Speakman added: “Loan opportunities are beneficial in the short term, but moving forward, we felt Adil needed a project with a longer-term view.
“He possesses many qualities and is extremely hard-working, so this opportunity at a prestigious Club like FC Schalke 04 is fully deserved. We thank him for his contribution to our club and wish him well for the future.”
A third deal of the day was the move to make Patrick Roberts’ stay at Birmingham City permanent. After spending the first part of the season on loan at the club, the winger has finalised a long-term move to St Andrews for an undisclosed fee.
Roberts made 147 appearances for Sunderland after joining from Manchester City in January 2022, scoring nine times and contributing 18 assists in all competitions as he helped them rise from League One to the Premier League.
He is the latest promotion hero to depart the club, with the likes of Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil having left earlier this window.
“We are really pleased for Patrick,” Speakman said. “His loan spell at Birmingham City has been incredibly successful, and he has been one of the standout performers in the league.
“He is settled, performing, and his family are happy, and knowing this makes it the perfect way to end his time at Sunderland.
“Patrick believed in Sunderland when we needed him, and we believed in Patrick when he needed a home. He has been an integral part of our story, and he will always be held in high esteem by our supporters. We wish him every success for the future.”
Young defender Leo Hjelde, meanwhile, joined Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season, having battled back to fitness after Achilles surgey.
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