Sunderland have signed midfielder Yann M’Vila on a season-long loan deal from Rubin Kazan, the club has confirmed.
M’Vila, 25, spent last season on loan at Inter and has previously been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers all reported to have shown an interest in the France international at various times.
“Yann is a player who is highly regarded by a number of the elite clubs across Europe, playing for his national team of France from a young age,” Sunderland’s sporting director Lee Congerton told their official website.
“The Premier League is a fresh challenge for him, it’s one I know he is relishing and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.”
M’Vila added: “I’m very happy to be a Sunderland player. I had a very good feeling training with the team; every player welcomed me and the feeling was very good with them so I’m excited for the start of the season.
“I’ve also wanted to play in the Premier League for a long time so I’m very happy to be here.”
It now feels like a long time ago when M’Vila was mentioned in the same bracket as the likes of Arsenal. In fact, since leaving his boyhood club Rennes in 2013, the defensive midfielder has only started 22 league matches.
For more stats on Yann M’Vila, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
