The exciting Declan John insight that Sunderland fans will love after Welsh international agrees loan deal
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John has become the Black Cats’ fourth January signing, and their first deadline day recruit, after penning a season-long loan move.
Here’s everything you need to know about the full-back:
Key details:
Age: 24
Nationality: Welsh
Position: Left Back
Career history: Cardiff City, Barnsley (loan), Chesterfield (loan), Rangers, Swansea City
What has his career been like?
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Hide AdJohn has spent most of his career playing at a higher level than League One - having taken in spells in the Premier League, Championship and SPFL.
He began his career at Cardiff City, making 20 top flight appearances for the Bluebirds before joining Rangers - initially on loan, before penning a permanent deal at Ibrox.
But he spent just a year in Scotland before heading to Swansea City, where he remains today.
First team opportunities have been hard to come by at the Liverty Stadium this term though, with his appearances mainly restricted to under-23 outings - hence Sunderland’s hope of sealing a deal.
John also has international experience with Wales.
What type of player is he?
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Hide AdVery much a modern full-back, John is as comfortable in the attacking third as he did the defensive one.
The 24-year-old could slot seamlessly into Sunderland’s 3-4-3 system, occupying the left wing-back role.
He is known to have good delivery and is happy to get up and down the pitch at pace.
What has been said about him?
Former Rangers caretaker boss Graeme Murty, who was in charge when John signed permanently at Ibrox, was full of praise for the full-back.
“Declan has some fantastic attributes," he said.
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Hide Ad"He's powerful. He's very, very, very quick and hopefully we can match his own ambitions."
What do we know about his move to Sunderland?
John has joined Sunderland on a half-season loan move, meaning he will remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the campaign.
He remains under contract at Swansea until next summer, after signing a three-year deal in 2018.