Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has completed a loan move to Serie A side Bologna.

Giaccherini waves farewell

Giaccherini underwent a medical today and brought an end to discussions which are believed to have lasted for several weeks, the move finally turning out to be a season-long loan with the option for Bologna to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

The Italian's two-year stint at Sunderland, following a £6.5m move from Serie A side Juventus, has been dogged by injury problems and, even when fit, he has failed to have an impact that would justify the price that the Black Cats paid for him.

The 30-year-old wasn’t present on the substitute’s bench for the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the weekend, with manager Dick Advocaat admitting he believes the midfielder is suited for Premier League football.

One of many departures

Advocaat will be hoping that Giaccherini will not be the only player to be walking through exit door before deadline day, with the Dutch coach saying that Sunderland have to “get rid” of some players.

The Sunderland Echo reported on Saturday that the club are looking to offload at least another four players from their side before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday, with Will Buckley, Liam Bridcutt, Charis Mavrias and Valentin Roberge all having no place in Advocaat’s plans.

Borini signs on

The North-East club have been busy in the final days of the summer transfer window, completing the permanent transfer of Fabio Borini today as well as moving Giaccherini on, for now.

The striker, who impressed on Wearside during a season-long loan from Liverpool back in the 2013/14 campaign, returns to the club on a four-year deal believed to be worth £7 million.

The 24-year-old told the club's official website that he was “delighted” to be back at Sunderland and it will be “emotional” to return to the Stadium of Light turf, adding that he “can’t wait” to make his debut as an official Sunderland player.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.