Sunderland are reaping the rewards of a shrewd piece of business, with former Ajax striker Brian Brobbey flourishing in the Premier League. The 24-year-aged’s impressive form has reportedly attracted attention from several top English clubs, and his value has skyrocketed since his move from Amsterdam.
Brobbey’s journey has been one of resurgence. After a challenging spell at Ajax, the Netherlands international has found a new lease on life at the Stadium of Light, becoming a key figure in Sunderland’s attack. The initial transfer fee of €20 million, with a potential rise to €25 million through variables, is now looking like a bargain, with some reports suggesting his current market value could be as high as €75 million.
From Amsterdam to Sunderland: A Career Revitalized
Brobbey began his youth career with AFC before joining the prestigious Ajax academy in 2010. He made his Eredivisie debut for Ajax in October 2020, immediately making an impact by scoring in a 5-2 victory over Fortuna Sittard. His early performances even drew praise from then-Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. However, despite showing promise, Brobbey’s time at Ajax was ultimately marked by inconsistency and a sense of unfulfilled potential.
A loan spell at RB Leipzig in 2021-22 didn’t quite ignite his career, and a return to Ajax followed before his permanent move to Sunderland in 2025. It’s in England, however, where Brobbey appears to have truly found his footing. As of March 22, 2026, Brobbey has scored 6 goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Sunderland, a significant improvement on his previous output.
Why is Brobbey Thriving at Sunderland?
Brobbey himself attributes his improved form to the tactical approach and training regimen at Sunderland. Speaking to De Telegraaf, he explained, “What Sunderland does differently? I think it’s the same in terms of strength and training, honestly. But the Premier League matches demand more from me. They are incredibly tough. Duels with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are… not easy. And it’s like that every week. Newcastle United has Sven Botman and Dan Burn. They are strong too.”
He too highlighted a shift in tactical emphasis, stating that Sunderland’s system is built around utilizing his strengths. “With video footage, [the coach] made it clear that everything should go through me. Whether I had stubborn teammates? I don’t know. You can make of that what you will. At Sunderland, we train a lot on how they can ‘play through’ me. And that feels good. After training, I work a lot with our striker coach. With our team, we get only one or two chances in the Premier League. Those have to go in, and that’s why I try to be extra sharp in front of goal. I don’t get four or five chances like I did at Ajax.”
A Reported €75 Million Valuation: Is it Justified?
The reported interest from clubs like Aston Villa, and potentially others higher up the Premier League table, has fueled speculation about Brobbey’s price tag. According to reports, Sunderland are unwilling to let their star striker leave for anything less than a substantial fee. The comparison to Nick Woltemade, who recently moved to Newcastle United for €75 million, has been cited as a benchmark for Brobbey’s value.
Woltemade, a German forward, has scored seven goals in 27 league matches this season, while Brobbey has six goals in 24 Premier League appearances. This relatively similar output is being used to justify Sunderland’s valuation, suggesting they believe Brobbey is worth a comparable fee.
International Recognition and Future Prospects
Brobbey’s impressive form has also earned him recognition on the international stage, representing the Netherlands national team. As of March 23, 2025, he has earned 8 caps for the Dutch, scoring one goal. He was also part of the Netherlands squad that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2018. He is currently with the Netherlands squad preparing for the UEFA European Championship 2024 in Germany.
The forward’s development is a testament to the impact a change of scenery and a well-defined tactical role can have on a player’s career. What was once a frustrating situation at Ajax has transformed into a promising future in the Premier League.
For Sunderland, Brobbey’s success represents a significant coup, both on and off the pitch. His goals are driving their Premier League campaign, and his potential resale value is rapidly increasing. The club’s ability to identify and nurture talent like Brobbey is a key component of their long-term strategy.
The next test for Brobbey and Sunderland will be their upcoming Premier League fixture against [Opponent and Date – *to be confirmed*]. Fans will be eager to see if Brobbey can continue his impressive form and further solidify his position as one of the league’s most exciting young strikers.
What do you think? Is Brian Brobbey worth a reported €75 million? Let us know in the comments below!
