Sunderland have completed the permanent signing of defender Sebastian Coates from Liverpool.
The Uruguayan international, 24, has joined the Black Cats on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Coates spent the majority of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, making 13 appearances for Sunderland.
"Sebastian was an important part of the team under Dick [Advocaat] last season and we are delighted that he has joined us on a permanent basis," sporting director Lee Congerton told Sunderland's official website.
"He has Premier League experience, which is important and, after spending last season on loan with us, he will be able to settle into the team very quickly."
The centre-back moved to Liverpool from Nacional in 2011.
