By The Black Cats
July 27 2015

Sunderland have been fairly busy this off season making with new arrivals and departures strengthening at fullback, centre back and on the wing / up front.

Sebastian Coates: The 24 year old centre back has joined Sunderland permanently, for an undisclosed fee, after spending a year on wearside on loan from Liverpool. Coates was mainly used as back up for John O'Shea and Wes Brown, but had a successful end to the season under head coach Dick Advocaat which saw Sunderland keep 3 clean sheets.

Younes Kaboul: Another centre back, another undisclosed fee. Younes Kaboul, 29, a former French International has joined Sebastian Coates at the heart of the Sunderland defence. Advocaat is said to be delighted to add the former Portsmouth and Spurs player to his squad: "He is a very experienced player, which is what we need. He has shown that in his time at Spurs and he will be a very good addition to our squad."

Adam Matthews: Matthews is a 23 year old Welsh international fullback. He has joined from Celtic for a fee of £2m on a 4 year contract. Advocaat on Matthews: "We know that we need quality players to improve competition for places in the side, so Adam is a welcome addition to our squad and we are very pleased to welcome him to Sunderland."

Jeremain Lens: Lens, a 27 year old, Dutch international has joined Sunderland, for an undisclosed fee, from Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev. Kiev won the domestic cup in Lens first season and also the league and cup doublee last season. Lens, who Advocaat has managed twice already, can play up front or out on the wing. Advocaat: "We have signed an international player and I am delighted to welcome him to Sunderland. He is a very well-known player in Europe and has played 29 games for the Dutch national side, which shows his calibre. I have worked with him twice already, at PSV and AZ, so I know him well; he is fast and he has scored goals everywhere he has played so that will help the team."

Sunderland have also seen a couple of departures. Santiago Vergini has joined Getafe on loan with a view to a permanent deal and El-Hadji Ba has joined Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee.