After what seemed like a never-ending transfer saga, FC Lorient defender Lamine Koné has finalised his move to Sunderland.

The Ivory Coast international has signed a deal through to 2020, with the Sunderland Echo suggesting that they paid £5m for his services.

An end to the transfer poker

After the deal being reportedly done in the early days of the transfer window, the Black Cats made changes to the original agreement which saw Lorient call it off.

Since then there has been plenty of to and fro, with plenty of speculation as to what had happened and who was to blame.

It looked like the defensive business was completed when Jan Kirchhoff arrived Bayern Munich, seemingly settling any centre-back worries.

However, the move for Koné is now complete and will surely excite the Tyne-Wear outfit's fans who have heard so much about him in recent weeks.

Koné comes with high hopes

The sheer desire and dogged attempts that the club went to show just how highly they rate Koné's ability.

The 26-year-old centre-half, who can also play at right-back, has been with Lorient since joining in 2011 from LB Châteauroux.

He went on to make 139 appearances for Lorient, as well as the previous 79 for Châteauroux, meaning he is hugely expereinced for his age.

Koné looks excited to get started as a Sunderland player. | Image credit: Sunderland AF
Koné looks excited to get started as a Sunderland player. | Image credit: Sunderland AFC

Allardyce has his say

Sam Allardyce commented on the move: “Strengthening our defensive options was a priority for us and Lamine is a player that has impressed me when I’ve seen him play."

He added, "He is big and strong, attributes you need to play in central defence in the Premier League."

The manager, who was speaking to the club website, added: "His arrival will give us healthy competition for places in a key position.”

Koné could make his debut on Tuesday evening, when Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]