Traore boosts forward line in double Ajax raid

FORMER Chelsea and Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traoré can’t wait to return to the Premier League with Sunderland after the Black Cats concluded their incredible summer spending spree by snapping up the Ajax forward.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

Arriving from the Eredivisie giants alongside Brian Brobbey, Traoré has signed a one-year contract on Wearside with a club option of an additional year.

Traoré scored 10 goals and contributed eight assists at the Johan Cruyff Arena last season, featuring prominently in the Eredivisie and UEFA Europa League.

A Burkina Faso international with 20 goals in 78 caps, the 29-year-old started his career in the Premier League with Chelsea and also represented Aston Villa on 62 occasions from 2020 to 2024.

Traoré’s other previous clubs include SBV Vitesse, Olympique Lyonnais, Aston Villa, Istanbul Basaksehir and Villarreal CF, and he has registered a career total of 97 goals and 46 assists.

Upon signing, the forward told safc.com: “I'm really happy to join Sunderland. It’s a huge club, and for me it feels great to be back in the Premier League.

“I had some good times here before, so it’s special to return, and I can’t wait to get started.

“From far away, I’ve seen the way the team has started the season, the movements, the atmosphere around the club - everything looks positive. I’m excited to be part of this project and part of this team.