Sunderland have signed Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea. The Senegalese centre-back becomes David Moyes’ first signing for the Black Cats.
The 27-year-old, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have revealed that they have paid £8 million to secure the signing of the defender.
Djilobodji was signed from Nantes by Chelsea last summer for a fee of €3.5 million. He played FOUR competitive minutes for The Blues. He was then loaned out to Werder Bremen in January for the remainder of the season.
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Things changed for Papy in the Bundesliga and he started playing more often. Soon he became an integral part of the Werder Bremen team and played a vital role in helping the club to Bundesliga safety. He an 88th minute winner on the final day to secure their Bundesliga survival!
Djilobodji began his career in Senegal with ASC Saloum, but has played the majority of his football in France with Nantes. He played 171 times during his 6-year stint for the Ligue 1 side before heading to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Djilobodji signing is just the beginning!
David Moyes is looking to build a team that can fight to finish in the top half of the table and is keen on signing a few more played before the transfer season ends. Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United are his main targets while he is also plotting to sign a striker this summer.
Wilfried Bony was reported to be one of his main targets but it looks like the Manchester City striker is heading to Everton. Fernando Llorente was also on his wishlist but the Spanish international has opted to sign for Swansea City. Christian Benteke is now said to be the striker whom David Moyes has set his sights on.
Reports also suggest that midfielder, M’Vila will join from Russian outfit Rubin Kazin after his successful loan spell at the club earlier this year. The French midfielder who was once linked with Arsenal and Juventus is said to be in talks to sign with the Black Cats on a permanent deal.
Meanwhile, Moyes is also considering handing a 12-month deal to former Everton midfielder Stephen Pienaar, who is a free agent after leaving Goodison Park last season. The midfielder is currently training with the Sunderland squad and is said to have finalised a deal with the club.
