Bigger talent than Ta Bi & Fofana: Sunderland have struck gold on “machine”

Sunderland paused their Premier League concerns with a big win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

By Angus Sinclair · Football Fancast

Published: Friday, 30 October 2026 at 8:15 AM

Key Things to Know

Football FanCast argues that young midfielder Jules Ahoka could become Sunderland's most important emerging star.
Sunderland defeated Brentford 3-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Jules Ahoka signed with Sunderland from Royal Antwerp in the summer for around £9m.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Angus Sinclair of Football FanCast argues that 20-year-old midfielder Jules Ahoka represents Sunderland's most promising young talent, standing out above teammates Jocelin Ta Bi and Malick Fofana. The opinion follows Sunderland's 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Brentford, where manager Regis Le Bris fielded multiple fringe players amid a difficult Premier League run.

Signed from Royal Antwerp for roughly £9m, Ahoka played the full 90 minutes against Brentford and earned praise from journalist James Copley as a "machine." Sinclair suggests Ahoka's robust midfield presence could prove vital in Sunderland's fight to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Read the full article on Football Fancast

Bigger talent than Ta Bi & Fofana: Sunderland have struck gold on “machine”

More Premier League News

Never Miss a Sports Update