Sunderland have signed winger Jocelin Ta Bi from Israeli club Maccabi Netanya for a fee reported to be in the region of £3million.
The 20-year-old Ivorian moves to Wearside after his loan spell at Hapoel Petah Tikva was cut short.
Seen as one for the future, Ta Bi has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with a club option of a further year.
Ta Bi told the club’s official website: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream of mine, and I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead. I know there’s still plenty of work to do, and pushing myself every day and improving is something I’m fully committed to. We have some special things ahead of us at Sunderland, and I’m looking forward to taking this journey together.”
Sunderland’s sporting director Krisjaan Speakman added: “We’re delighted to reach an agreement for Jocelin to join Sunderland. A dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels, predominantly from the right side, he is a player with high potential, and we will integrate him patiently into our club.
“We believe in the player, and we believe in our approach to developing talent, so we are looking forward to starting the journey with him, and I’m sure our supporters will also enjoy the attributes he brings to our team.”
Sunderland, who host Crystal Palace tomorrow, have impressed under head coach Regis Le Bris on their return to the Premier League and sit 10th after 21 games.