Sunderland have completed the season-long signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
Sunderland announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso on a season-long loan deal from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the late stages of transfer deadline day.
Earlier in the window, reports emerged that Sunderland had a loan bid for Danso rejected by Spurs, with the London outfit needing to recruit a replacement for the Austrian international to sanction his exit, in the form of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
Prior to the clock striking on deadline day, further reports outlined that Sunderland were set to seal the loan capture of Danso after returning to negotiations with Spurs, and now the move has been officially announced by the Black Cats.
Sunderland have completed the signing of the 27-year-old central defender for a £2.5m loan fee with a £22.5m obligation to buy clause inserted in the contract, which is contingent on the Black Cats staying in the Premier League this season, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
Danso, who featured in all four of Austria's fixtures at this summer's FIFA World Cup, will wear the number four shirt at Sunderland as he adds experience and strength in depth to the defensive ranks of Regis Le Bris' squad.
Spurs signed Danso initially on loan from Ligue 1 side RC Lens in the January window of 2025, and the physically-imposing centre-back went on to help Tottenham win the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.
In the following summer window, the deal was made permanent for a near £21m fee, but the defender has seemingly fallen down the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the appointment of De Zerbi.
Spurs' loss could become Sunderland's gain, and the dominant defender was understandably delighted to join the Stadium of Light outfit on deadline day.
Kevin Danso in action against Lionel Messi at the World Cup (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters) Kevin Danso Elated To Join Sunderland From Spurs On Loan
After making 52 appearances for Spurs, Danso is relishing the next chapter of his career and told Sunderland's media amid his announcement that he "can’t wait to get started."
Danso, who worked with Sunderland Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi at Lens, said: "I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“Sunderland is a big club with huge ambition, and I’m excited to be part of what we’re building this season.
“I know Florent (Ghisolfi) well from our time together at Lens, so that was an important factor in my decision.
"I’m looking forward to working with him again, meeting my new team-mates and experiencing the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.”
Also reacting to the signing, which was Sunderland's first of deadline day, Ghisolfi explained why the Black Cats were keen to bring the Austrian to Wearside for the season ahead, and potentially the coming years ahead.
The Sunderland chief said of Danso: "Kevin is a player I know very well from my time working with him at RC Lens.
“He will bring strength, character and know-how to the squad, and vast experience of playing in domestic and European competitions.
“We’re thrilled to add him to the squad for a historic season in Sunderland AFC’s history.”
As well as Danso, Sunderland are set to sign Malick Fofana on deadline day from Lyon following the dramatic saga regarding his prospective move to Crystal Palace.
