Sunderland signs Wahbi Khazri from Bordeaux
To see a list of completed deals in the January window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Looking to fend off the threat of relegation, a frantic transfer window for Sunderland got busier Friday, as the club announced the signing of playmaker Wahbi Khazri from Bordeaux on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Khazri, 24, has been one of the few bright spots for Willy Sagnol's mid-table side this season, prompting interest from several clubs for the Corsican-born Tunisian international.
"Wahbi is a quick, dynamic attacking player," Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce told the club's website Saturday.
"He has many attributes, not least his delivery from wide areas and set pieces and of course his ability to score goals."
#SAFC are delighted to confirm the signing of Wahbi Khazri on a four-and-a-half-year deal. #WelcomeWahbi pic.twitter.com/z5mnTgZz9v
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 30, 2016
He can play in any of the attacking positions, with Sagnol slotting the attacking midfielder into an advanced No. 10 role directly behind the striker to considerable results. Only Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria has created more goals in Ligue 1, complimented by Khazri's penchant for stellar set pieces.
The Bastia academy product has five goals and seven assists in 20 Ligue 1 matches this season.
On the heels of the additions of defenders Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchoff, as well as striker Dame N'Doye, the Black Cats have dipped into the market again, prying Khazri from le Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux after a year-and-a-half with the club.
Khazri becomes the second marquee Girondin to make the Premier League pilgrimage during the January transfer window, joining midfielder Henri Saivet, who signed with Sunderland rivals Newcastle.