Sunderland today completed the signing of Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady on a permanent deal.
The winger, who can also play at right-back, spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light from ENPPI in a deal which included an option for Sunderland to buy him outright.
That clause has now been exercised and the 23-year-old has joined on a pre-arranged undisclosed fee having signed a three-year contract.
Elmohamady made 38 appearances in all competitions for the club last season, impressing initially before struggling as Sunderland slumped after Christmas.
Manager Steve Bruce told http://www.safc.com today: "Ahmed has done well in his first season with the club and has shown plenty of potential.
"We look forward to helping him grow as a player and I think there is much more to come from him."
Meanwhile, there was still no announcement on whether Jordan Henderson's move to Liverpool had gone through.
The two clubs agreed a fee yesterday with the England Under-21 international also undergoing a medical on Merseyside.
Reports this morning suggested Sunderland had also lodged a £12million bid with Manchester United for Darron Gibson, John O'Shea and Wes Brown.
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