(Credit: Imago)

Simon Adingra shares exactly what Amad Diallo told him after joining Sunderland

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

08 Sep 2025, 6:45 am

Amad Diallo is still remembered fondly at Sunderland after his superb loan spell in the Championship.

Sunderland signed Amad on deadline day from Man United, and he guided them to an unlikely play-off campaign under Tony Mowbray.

This summer, his compatriot Simon Adingra arrived at the Stadium of Light from Brighton amid an influx of top players.

Now that he has settled into life in the North East, Adingra has opened up about what Amad told him about life on Wearside.

Adingra and Diallo represent the Ivory Coast (Credit: Imago)

Amad Diallo tells Simon Adingra to enjoy life at Sunderland

When he signed for Sunderland, Adingra spoke briefly about what Amad told him prior to the move.

Adingra started for the Black Cats in their Premier League opener against West Ham, providing an assist.

However, the winger had to settle for a place on the bench against Brentford, with Enzo Le Fee thriving in his position.

This week, the 23-year-old has been on international duty with the Ivory Coast and supplied an assist in their 1-0 win over Burundi.

Now, he has provided more details about exactly what Amad told him to expect from playing for the Black Cats.

"He spoke to me about how big the club is, how passionate the fans are so if you give everything, then the fans will give everything back to me. He told me enjoy it," Adingra said via the club website on 8 September.

Sunderland attacker Simon Adingra prepares to strike

Adingra will be hoping to emulate Amad (Credit: Imago)

Can Simon Adingra follow in Amad Diallo's footsteps?

Adingra was one of the more well-known arrivals this summer, given his playing time at Brighton.

Against the Hammers, he showed plenty of promise, and although he was benched for the Brentford clash, there is reason to be excited.

Of course, matching Amad will not be easy, given his performances on the pitch and the bond that he formed with the supporters.

Indeed, that connection is so tight that Amad even attended Sunderland's play-off match with Coventry City.

It must be noted that the Man United man made his mark in the Championship, and it will not be so simple in the Premier League for Adingra.

Amad notched 18 goal contributions for Sunderland
He scored a vital free-kick against Luton Town in the play-offs
Now a regular at Man United

Given that he has signed a long-term contract, he has plenty of time to step up his performances and feel the love from the fans.

Although it is early days, there is every chance that the Ivory Coast international can become a favourite on Wearside.

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Amad Diallo

Simon Adingra