AS Monaco will not exercise their option to sign Simon Adingra permanently from Sunderland, according to reports in France.
Nice-Matin reports that Monaco have decided against triggering the purchase options attached to the loan deal of Adingra. The outlet claims that the estimated clause was estimated at between €5 million and €10 million, roughly £4.3 million to £8.5 million.
Adingra joined Monaco on loan from Sunderland in January and went on to make 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and registering two assists. The Ivory Coast international showed flashes of quality during his time in the Principality, but his spell was also marked by inconsistency.
The 24-year-old was primarily used as a wing-back by Monaco, a role which asked different questions of his game. While Adingra offered attacking threat at times, the report claims his defensive work “left something to be desired” and that his performances alternated between impressive displays and more disappointing outings.
Monaco’s decision means Adingra is now set to return to Sunderland this summer, where Florent Ghisolfi and Régis Le Bris will have to make a call on his future. The winger remains an attacking option, but Sunderland’s squad planning will determine whether he is reintegrated, moved on again or considered as part of the wider Premier League group.
Adingra’s loan spell has not prevented him from remaining part of the Ivory Coast national team set-up. He was named in their World Cup squad and came off the bench in the 74th minute of their 2-1 defeat against Germany, though he missed his nation’s AFCON campaign last season.
The reported purchase option, between £4.3million and £8.5million, suggests there was at least a potential route for Monaco to make the move permanent. That will not now happen, leaving Sunderland to reassess the winger’s position as they continue shaping their squad for the new season. Sunderland will now have to decide whether Adingra can still have a role to play on Wearside or whether another solution is needed this summer. For director of football Ghisolfi, it is another transfer decision in a window already full of moving parts.
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