Simon Adingra Set to Join Newcastle After Brighton Agreement
Newcastle United have made a major breakthrough in the summer transfer window by reaching a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of exciting Ivorian winger Simon Adingra. The deal, which sources say is worth in the region of £38 million including add-ons, signals the Magpies’ intent to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and their return to European football.
Adingra, 23, has been one of the standout young performers in the Premier League over the past season. Known for his electric pace, agility, and eye for goal, he quickly established himself as a key figure in Brighton’s frontline following his successful loan spell at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2022/23 season. During the 2024/25 campaign, Adingra registered five goals and several assists across all competitions for Brighton and also played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s victorious 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where he was named the Best Young Player of the tournament. His development has not gone unnoticed, and a number of Premier League and European clubs had been monitoring his progress. However, Newcastle have moved swiftly to beat the competition and secure his signature.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that personal terms between Newcastle and Adingra have been agreed in principle, with the winger set to sign a five-year contract at St James’ Park, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030. The player is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days at Newcastle’s Benton training ground, and if all goes well, the move will be officially announced shortly thereafter.
Manager Eddie Howe has been keen to add depth and quality to his squad, particularly in the wide areas. Newcastle’s right and left flanks were areas of inconsistency during the previous season, with injuries and dips in form affecting key players like Miguel Almirón and Anthony Gordon. The addition of Adingra gives Howe a versatile and dynamic winger who is equally comfortable playing on either flank. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, combined with his tenacity off the ball, makes him a perfect fit for Howe’s high-intensity system.
A club source familiar with the internal discussions at Newcastle noted, “Simon is a player we’ve tracked for a long time. His performances at Brighton have shown that he can make the difference in tight games, and he fits the profile of the kind of talent we want to build around — young, ambitious, and hungry for success. We believe he can be a real star at this club.”
Adingra’s impending arrival is seen as a major coup for Newcastle, particularly as the club faces increasing pressure to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations while also continuing their upward trajectory. Since the Saudi-backed takeover in 2021, the club has invested significantly in infrastructure, youth development, and key player acquisitions. With a fifth-place finish last season and a League Cup triumph under their belt, expectations are higher than ever. The signing of Adingra demonstrates a commitment not only to improving the squad but to doing so in a sustainable, forward-thinking manner.
Brighton, meanwhile, are set to make a tidy profit on the player they signed from Danish club FC Nordsjælland in 2022. The Seagulls have developed a reputation for identifying and nurturing top talent before selling for significant fees, and the sale of Adingra continues that trend. While the club would have preferred to keep the Ivorian star, sources say they were convinced by Newcastle’s financial package and Adingra’s own desire to take the next step in his career.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, who took charge following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure, acknowledged Adingra’s contribution to the club’s success over the past two seasons but emphasized that the club will reinvest the funds wisely. “Simon has been a fantastic player for us — talented, hard-working, and a joy to coach. While we’re sad to see him go, we understand his ambition and believe this is a good move for all parties. We’ll now focus on bringing in new talent and continuing to compete at the highest level,” Hürzeler said.
Adingra’s career has been on a sharp upward curve since his breakthrough in Denmark. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he began his youth career at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, which has produced several top-tier professionals. His move to Nordsjælland marked the beginning of his European journey, and his raw talent quickly caught the eye of Brighton’s scouting network. After impressing in Denmark, Brighton loaned him out to their Belgian partner club Union Saint-Gilloise, where he scored 11 goals in the 2022/23 season, helping them challenge for the title and gain valuable European experience.
At Brighton, Adingra adapted well to the demands of the Premier League, showing not only technical skill but also a strong tactical understanding and work ethic. His performances against top sides — including goals and assists in key matches — proved he was ready for the next level. His international experience with the Ivory Coast national team has further rounded out his game, and he is now considered one of Africa’s brightest young stars.
The move to Newcastle represents the latest chapter in Adingra’s rapid rise. The Magpies, now regular contenders for European places, have become an increasingly attractive destination for emerging talent. The club’s project under Eddie Howe has combined smart recruitment with a clear footballing identity, and players like Adingra are seen as central to that strategy.
The deal also comes at a crucial time for Newcastle, with pre-season preparations set to begin in July and Champions League qualifiers on the horizon. Getting a major signing done early allows Howe and his staff to integrate Adingra into the squad and tactical setup without delay. The hope among supporters is that he can hit the ground running and help Newcastle push for a top-four finish and make a deep run in Europe.
Fan reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express their excitement about the transfer. Adingra’s flair, creativity, and work rate are attributes that Newcastle supporters have always appreciated in attacking players. Comparisons are already being made to past crowd favorites like Hatem Ben Arfa and Allan Saint-Maximin, though the club and coaching staff will be keen to manage expectations and allow the player time to adapt.
With the signing of Simon Adingra all but complete, Newcastle United have made a bold statement of intent. As the club looks to build on recent successes and return to the pinnacle of English and European football, the addition of one of the Premier League’s most exciting young wingers could prove to be a masterstroke. All eyes will now turn to the official unveiling, which is expected to take place later this week, as the Magpies continue to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
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