Sunderland secure services of Sebastian Coates on permanent deal

Sunderland have completed the permanent signing of Liverpool centre back Sebastian Coates, with the Uruguay international defender signing a four-year deal after a £2m move from Anfield, having spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat was keen to secure the services of Coates, who helped Sunderland avoid Premier League relegation last term with his displays in the heart of defence during a successful season-long loan stint.

#SAFC are delighted to confirm the signing of @SebastianCoates from @LFC on a four-year deal. #hawaythelads pic.twitter.com/4S6A5eeMfI

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 1, 2015

With Advocaat returning to the helm on Wearside, 24-year-old Uruguay defender Coates was an obvious choice to bolster his rear guard ranks for next term, as the club look to avoid yet another battle to beat the drop (2/1 with Coral to go down).

Former Anfield centre back became surplus to requirements on the red half of Merseyside under Brendan Rodgers, despite showing great promise upon his arrival in 2011 from Uruguayan outfit Nacional.

In the same year as his switch to Liverpool, Coates had enjoyed a superb Copa America campaign, having been voted as the best young player of the tournament, helping Uruguay go all the way and claim another trophy triumph.