Sebastian Coates has renewed his loan deal with Sporting Lisbon, the club have announced.
The defender joined from Sunderland in January on a temporary contract that would run until the summer, but the Portuguese side have been so impressed with his performances that they have exercised the option to extend his stay.
Coates will now remain on loan in the Portuguese capital until the end of the 2016-17 season.
Coates rewarded after key part in title push
The Uruguayan international has played a key part in Sporting's title charge since arriving, quickly becoming a regular in the heart of defence and making 12 league starts since January.
Currently on an eight-game winning streak, the team are just two points off of leaders Benfica heading into this weekend's final round of fixtures, with them needing 10th placed Nacional to do them a favour and beat their title-rivals on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Sporting themselves need to ensure they beat Sporting Braga to stand any chance of lifting the trophy - a side who will be a tricky task after a strong season in which they have clinched fourth place and a Europa League spot.
Regardless of Sunday's outcome though, Coates will have played a key part in helping Sporting secure a Champions League berth for the third season running after keeping six clean sheets in his time there so far.
Club and player delighted
Having left Wearside this year in search of more regular football, Coates will be thrilled to have played as much as he has in Portugal too. And with captain John O'Shea even struggling to get a look in at Sunderland, he will no doubt see it as a good decision to have left.
Upon the announcement of his contract extension, the defender took to social media to express his delight, writing on Instagram: "I'm very happy to continue at this club," and that he "hope[s]" he can help them "reach [their] goals" in his time with the team.
Meanwhile, Sporting "wishe[d]" the player "the best of professional and personal success" in their club statement.