As reported earlier today, Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates looked set to join Sunderland on loan after Black Cats boss Gus Poyet followed up on his previous inquiries for the defender and the club can now confirm that the deal has been finalized.
The Uruguayan will join his compatriot at the Stadium of Light for the upcoming campaign as he looks to find regular playing time. Coates recovered from a serious knee injury in time to play for his country at the World Cup in Brazil, but despite featuring regularly throughout Liverpool’s pre-season tour of North America, the 23-year old never looked likely to find any measure of first team action at Anfield this year.
Following the capture of Dejan Lovren from Southampton and the decision of Kolo Toure to reject the advances of Turkish side Trabzonspor and fight for his place on in the Reds set-up, playing time was always going to be limited for the Uruguayan. Since his move from South American side Nacional in the summer of 2011, he’s made only 24-appearances in all competitions for the Anfield outfit.
Coates is Sunderland’s eighth signing of what’s been a busy summer at the Stadium of Light. Poyet also looked set to land Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, but his protracted pursuit of the Italian looks set to end in tears with the 23-year old in talks with Premier League rivals Queens Park Rangers who have had an initial bid of £10mil — with £3mil more in add-ons — accepted by the Reds.
We’d like to wish Sebastian the best of luck this season; we’ll be keeping an eye on you.
