This is the second of a two-part series looking back on Sunderland’s transfer activity this summer. In the first section, we looked at the departures from the Stadium of light. In this part, we will be exploring the 9 arrivals at Sunderland and just how well they may or may not do this season.
Sebastian Coates
The Uruguayan made his loan move from Liverpool to Sunderland permanent following the Copa America in a cut-price £2-million deal. Coates was colossal in the heart of the defence during Dick Advocaat’s 9 game spell at the end of last season, prompting him to make the move permanent. However, this season has begun just like last season, with Coates struggling to find form and subsequently losing his starting position to another new signing Younes Kaboul. Coates is still just 24-year old and has plenty of time to improve at Sunderland and with a small investment, the move for the Uruguayan International, despite his early form, appears to be risk-free.
Santiago Vergini
Vergini’s loan move was made permeant due to a clause in his loan deal last season. However, he has since left the club as he is and never was in Dick Advocaat’s plans. Vergini joined from Estudiantes on a two-year deal before signing for La Liga outfit Getafe on a season-long loan deal.
Younes Kaboul
A £3-million signing from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, Kaboul has had a mixed start to life at Sunderland. He was a part of the defence that conceded 7 goals in their opening two matches and was, as a result, dropped from the side. However, he made his return against Aston Villa and was mightily impressive, proving why he is a former French International and Tottenham captain. The 29-year old signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light and fans will be hoping that he can strike up a solid partnership with John O’Shea or Sebastian Coates this season. Kaboul is certainly a step up in calibre to the defenders already at the club and hopefully his experience and quality will shine through as the Black Cats look to sharpen up their defensive woes this season.
Yann M’Vila
French International Yann M’Vila has been the most impressive of Sunderland’s summer signings so far. The man on a season-long loan from Rubin Kazan has been colossal in the heart of the Sunderland midfield and has made an impact both offensively and defensively. The midfielder has already scored a fanatic free-kick for the Black Cats and looks dangerous on all set plays, whipping in delightful balls for the likes of Jermain Defoe to prey on. M’Vila has also been included in the top 5 summer signings of the summer window and will be a key figure for the Black Cats this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfqOEF9cDvw
DeAndre Yedlin
A deadline day season-long loan from Tottenham, Yedlin comes with international experience and is known for his blistering pace. He is an attack-minded full-back who can play both on the left and right, adding to Sunderland’s defensive options. Yedlin will not be able to make his debut against parent club Tottenham Hotspur, and he may have to wait until October 19th when Sunderland make the long trip down south to Bournemouth.
Ola Toivonen
The Swedish international arrived on a season-long loan last week from French side Stade Rennes. The tall attacking midfielder made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa and immediately showed his quality with an assist and all round positive play. Sunderland fans will be hoping he produces his form that he showed under Dick Advocaat at PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 61 goals in 139 games.
Jeremian Lens
A £8.5-million signing from Dynamo Kiev, Lens is a full Dutch International with an eye for goal. Lens had an impressive pre-season and already has 2 assists and goal to his name this season. He also has previously had a positive partnership with Toivonen from their time at PSV, and will hopefully replicate that form for the Black Cats after penning a four-year deal earlier this summer.
Fabio Borini
Last but not least we have the return of Fabio Borini. A £8-million signing from Liverpool, Borini knows the club inside and out having scored 10 goals for the Black Cats in his season on loan here in 2013-14. Despite Borini turning down a £14-million move last summer to stay at Liverpool, the Italian is still in the hearts of many at the club. Sunderland fans know exactly what they are getting with Borini and at £8-million they have a premier league experienced player who can score goals but also has a fantastic work ethic and passion for the club.
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