Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates, with the Uruguayan defender joining the Black Cats on a four year deal.
The fee is believed to be in the region of four million pounds, and comes on the same day that the summer transfer window officially opens.
Credentials
Coates spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, making 13 appearances in a red and white shirt. Six of these came after Dick Advocaat was appointed as the new manager in March, with the pair helping Sunderland once again narrowly avoid relegation, eventually finishing in 16th place.
He is Advocaat's first signing since the Dutchman agreed a new long term deal as Sunderland boss last month, and will join up with the squad next week after a short holiday.
He has spent most of his post season with Uruguay for the Copa America, featuring just once as hosts Chile defeated his side 1-0 in the quarter finals.
Sporting director at Sunderland Lee Congerton had this to say after the transfer was finalised: "Sebastian was an important part of the team under Dick last season and we are delighted that he has joined us on a permanent basis.
"He has experience of the league which is important, and will be able to settle in quickly after spending last season on loan with us."
End of his Liverpool spell
The transfer brings to an end Coates' four year spell on Merseyside, after making a £6 million move from Nacional in 2011.
He made just 12 appearances for the Reds before being loaned out last year, often struggling with injuries, the worst being a knee injury that kept him out for the whole of 2013/14.
Coates did manage one memorable goal during his time on L4, an exceptional scissor kick from around 12 yards out during a match against Queens Park Rangers.
Despite this, he'll be looking for a fresh start at Sunderland, as he seeks to turn his career around.