Sunderland have completed the signing of Didier Ndong for a club-record £13.6 million from Lorient.
Ndong, 22, made 46 appearances for the Ligue 1 team since January 2015 and breaks Sunderland's previous record transfer -- the £13m they paid for Asamoah Gyan six years ago.
Speaking after the completion of his move, Ndong said: "I am very proud and happy to sign for Sunderland. This is a new adventure for me and to play in the Premier League is a dream come true.
#SAFC have completed the signing of midfielder Didier Ndong from Lorient for 16m euros. #WelcomeDidier pic.twitter.com/S2ptfgv5cw
- Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 31, 2016
"Maybe the Sunderland fans don't know me yet, but I promise that they will quickly discover that I will give everything for them and the club. It will be an honour to wear the Sunderland shirt and I will wear it with a true understanding of what it means.
"I am excited to meet everyone at the club, to see the stadium and of course the fans, who I have heard so many good things about. Today is the most beautiful day of my life."
Sunderland have also been linked with Norwich pair John Ruddy and Steven Naismith, with boss David Moyes managing both players at Everton.