Sunderland have completed the signing of left-back Patrick van Aanholt from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
The 23 year old joined Chelsea from PSV Eindoven in 2007 but failed to ever make an impact on the first team.
The Dutch left back was also a part of many loan deals, to clubs including Coventry City and Newcastle United.
However, van Aanholt has finally completed a permanent move away from the Bridge by signing a four year deal at Sunderland, with the fee of the transfer yet unknown.
Sunderland survived relegation last season and are clearly looking to improve, with a deal reportedly agreed with Liverpool for Fabio Borini, but with the deal yet to be completed.
And after 5 relatively unsuccessful years at Stamford Bridge, but while still establishing himself as a solid young defender, Sunderland can add van Aanholt to their books at The Stadium of Light.
His departure was all but certain when Chelsea opted to splash out on left-back Filipe Luis to replace Ashley Cole instead of looking to their academy for potential long-term alternatives.
Chelsea said on their official website:
We would like to thank Patrick for his service and wish him the best of luck for the future.
