Ex-Manchester City stopper Costel Pantilimon has joined Sunderland on a free transfer. The 6ft 8in Romanian was released from City after completing three seasons at the Etihad Stadium. Pantilimon is the tallest player in the Premier League and his arrival up north will surely daunt Vito Mannone as they battle for the number 1 spot.
It was undoubtedly the late season revival that saved Sunderland from the drop and subsequently Gus Poyet his job. Gus will be hoping his summer signings will strengthen the squad and prevent a similar scenario this coming season. Costel has already heaped praise on his new gaffer Poyet and cited him as the major catalyst behind his choice to join The Stadium of Light:
“After speaking with the boss, I knew this was the right place and he was the right man. I can’t wait to start.”
Pantilimon joins Billy Jones from West Bromwich Albion and Jordi Gomez as Sunderland’s third summer signing.
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