Sunderland have agreed on a deal with Liverpool for defender Sebastian Coates for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £2 million.
The 24-year-old scored twice in 24 appearances in a four year stint at Liverpool.
After joining them from Uruguayan club Nacional for £4.9 million, Coates’ career at Anfield was troubled with injuries.
The Uruguay international spent last season on loan at Sunderland where he initially struggled to secure playing time under manager Gus Poyet. However, after the arrival of Dick Advocaat, Coates played every minute of the last six games, playing a crucial role to help the Black Cats escape relegation.
Coates, who is Advocaat’s first signing as Sunderland manager, claims that the confidence the Dutchman showed in him during his time at the Stadium of Light was an “important factor” in his decision to join his side permanently.
“Dick knows me and has confidence in me so for me it was a really important factor.
“When he came, the team was in a difficult position but he gave confidence to everyone so for the players, he was really important and for me he was the key because he really helped me.”
Sunderland are glad to have signed the centre-back, according to sporting director Lee Congerton:
“Sebastian was an important part of the team under Dick last season, and we’re delighted that he has joined us on a permanent basis.
“He has Premier League experience and after spending last season on loan with us, he will be able to settle into the team very quickly.”
Coates is set to begin pre-season training with the Black Cats next week after being given extra time off following the Copa America.
