24 SIMON ADINGRA Forward

Simon Adingra was trained in Benin at the ABIS Sport Academy (2016–2020), before joining the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana (2020). He then continued his development in Denmark with FC Nordsjælland, where he signed his first professional contract. Wearing the Danish club’s colours, the winger made 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances earned him a move to the Premier League in the summer of 2022, when he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion. He was immediately loaned out to Union Saint-Gilloise, a partner club of the Seagulls. In Belgium, Simon Adingra enjoyed an outstanding season as he played in 51 matches played, scoring 15 goals, and provided 14 assists, contributing to a successful 2022–2023 campaign for the Yellow and Blues, which ended with a podium finish. Returning to England the following season, the left winger gradually established himself in Brighton’s first team, totalling 73 appearances over two seasons (12 goals and 5 assists). Alongside his club career, Simon Adingra took part in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Best Young Player. He played a decisive role in the Elephants’ triumph, providing both assists in the final (2–1), a match after which he was also named Man of the Match. Simon Adingra arrives on the Rock from Sunderland, a club he joined last summer and with which he made 15 appearances.