CONFIRMED: Sunderland complete £9million signing of Wahbi Khazri
The Black Cats have quickly wrapped up a move for Khazri after French club Bordeaux accepted Sunderland's offer 48 hours ago and the 24-year-old travelled to the North East yesterday.
Sam Allardyce had been keen to boost his attacking options before the transfer deadline and after being frustrated in his efforts to sign Swansea's Andre Ayew, Sunderland instead moved for Khazri.
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Hide AdThe Tunisian international - who netted 14 goals in 49 starts for Bordeaux - has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Stadium of Light.
"Wahbi is a quick, dynamic attacking player," said Sunderland boss Allardyce.
"He has many attributes, not least his delivery from wide areas and set pieces and of course his ability to score goals.
"His versatility will certainly complement our existing forward options and I am delighted to welcome him to the club."
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Hide AdKhazri has predominantly thrived in a 'number 10' role at Bordeaux, where he has been the stand-out figure for the Ligue 1 side.
He is the second arrival from across the Channel in the space of a week after Sunderland splashed out £5m on centre-half Lamine Kone.
But Allardyce remains in the market for fresh blood, with one more signing likely before Monday’s 11pm deadline, which will probably be a loan deal.
That will not necessarily be Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitting yesterday that the French right-back could still leave the Emirates.
Sunderland made an enquiry for Debuchy earlier this week, but the Black Cats are looking at other options, despite the ex-Newcastle United man’s eagerness to play first-team football.