The 23-year-old Brobbey joins the Black Cats on a five-year deal for a reported initial fee of €20 million. Through easily obtainable bonuses, Ajax could see the fee rise to €25 million.
Brobbey returned to Ajax in January 2022 after leaving the club for RB Leipzig six months earlier. The Amsterdam side made it a permanent move in the summer of 2022.
The Ajax academy product struggled mightily last season, netting just three goals in 30 Eredivisie matches. Across all competitions, the Dutch striker scored just seven goals in 44 games.
The Dutch international ends his Ajax career with 163 games and 56 goals behind his name.
This season, Brobbey had not played a minute yet for Ajax after suffering a knee injury in the final preseason match against AS Monaco.
Transfer stress
On Saturday, news broke that Brobbey had been left out of Ajax's matchday squad for the Eredivisie clash at FC Volendam. Reports suggested that manager John Heitinga left the striker at home due to not being fully focused.
Ajax had held transfer talks with French side Stade Rennes, and an agreement was near, but Brobbey reportedly did not want to move to the Ligue 1.
'Can't wait to be part of the passion'
On Sunderland's website, Brian Brobbey said he was delighted to join the Black Cats.
"It feels great to be a Sunderland player. I spoke with Nordi Mukiele, who I know from my time in RB Leipzig, and he told me about the Club, the fans, and how it feels like a family."
Sunderland got the ball rolling very late, leaving it up to the last day to pursue a transfer for the striker after Marc Guiu was set to return to Chelsea. However, the Wearside outfit spoke to Brobbey much earlier than that.
"I first talked with Sunderland over a month ago, and I have seen the stadium and the fans this season, and I can’t wait to be a part of that passion. It’s emotional to say goodbye to Ajax, as I grew up here and I’m going to miss everyone, but the Premier League is the biggest stage in the world, and I’m ready for this next chapter.”
At Sunderland, Brobbey replaces the departed Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu, who returned to London following Liam Delap's injury. The Dutchman will compete for a spot in the starting lineup with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor.
Brobbey joins fellow countrymen Robin Roefs and Lutsharel Geertruida, who joined the Black Cats on loan from RB Leipzig earlier on Monday.
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