Simon Adingra eyes Ivory Coast return after Monaco move

Ivory Coast international Simon Adingra has made his intentions known after his move to AS Monaco.

The 24-year-old signed for the Ligue 1 outfit after struggling to nail a starting role at English Premier League side Sunderland.

 

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The former Brighton forward joined the side in an initial €1 million loan deal with Monaco having the opportunity to make the deal permanent for €17 million.

Adingra was dropped from Ivory Coast squad for AFCON

In his first interview session following his move, Adingra affirmed his resolve to earn more playing time and eventually return to the national team in future.

“When you play a lot, you enjoy it. I played less this season so I’m here to regain my confidence and move forward. One of my ambitions is to get back into the national team.”

Adingra alongside Nicolas Pepe were dropped from Ivory Coast squad by Emerse Fae for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where the Elephants suffered a quarter final exit with a 1-0 loss to Egypt.

Ivory Coast international Simon Adingra has made his intentions clear following his move to French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, insisting that regular playing time and a return to the national team are at the heart of his decision.

The 24-year-old winger completed a switch to Monaco after finding opportunities limited during his spell in English football, most recently with Sunderland. Adingra’s move represents a fresh start at club level and a chance to reignite his international ambitions with Ivory Coast.

Simon Adingra Sets Clear Goals After AS Monaco Move

Speaking in his first interview as an AS Monaco player, Simon Adingra openly admitted that a lack of minutes earlier in the season affected his confidence and momentum. The winger emphasized that his priority at Monaco is to rediscover consistency, enjoy his football again, and perform at a level that puts him back in contention for international selection.

“When you play a lot, you enjoy it. I played less this season, so I’m here to regain my confidence and move forward. One of my ambitions is to get back into the national team,” Adingra said.

His words underline a clear motivation: Monaco is not just another club move, but a strategic step aimed at restoring his place among Ivory Coast’s elite players.

Details of Simon Adingra’s Move to AS Monaco

Simon Adingra joined AS Monaco on an initial loan deal valued at €1 million, with the Ligue 1 club holding an option to make the transfer permanent for €17 million. The structure of the deal reflects Monaco’s confidence in the player’s potential while giving Adingra the platform to prove himself over the coming months.

Before arriving in France, the former Brighton & Hove Albion forward struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, despite flashes of quality that once made him one of the most exciting young Ivorian attackers in Europe.

Monaco, known for developing and revitalising attacking talents, view Adingra as a player who can add pace, directness, and creativity to their frontline as they push for domestic success and European qualification.

Adingra Dropped From Ivory Coast Squad for AFCON 2025

One of the major motivations behind Simon Adingra’s move is his omission from the Ivory Coast squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The winger was left out by Elephants head coach Emerse Fae, alongside experienced forward Nicolas Pepe.

Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2025 campaign ended at the quarter-final stage following a narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt. Adingra’s absence from the squad was widely linked to his limited club involvement, reinforcing the importance of regular playing time for international selection.

Why Ligue 1 Could Be the Perfect Fit for Simon Adingra

A return to French football could suit Simon Adingra’s style perfectly. Ligue 1’s emphasis on pace, technical ability, and transitional play aligns well with the winger’s strengths. At Monaco, he is expected to operate on either flank, using his acceleration and dribbling ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities.

The club’s coaching staff believe that a run of games will allow Adingra to regain rhythm, sharpen his decision-making, and rebuild the confidence that once made him a regular name in Ivory Coast discussions.

Competition and Opportunity at AS Monaco

While AS Monaco boast strong competition in attacking areas, the club’s demanding schedule provides Adingra with opportunities to earn significant minutes. With league matches, domestic cup competitions, and European ambitions, rotation will be key—and Adingra knows strong performances could quickly elevate his status within the squad.

For a player eager to prove a point, Monaco offers both pressure and opportunity in equal measure.