SEBASTIAN Larsson claims Sunderlands “ambition” was the key factor behind his decision to snub a number of Premier League suitors and sign for the Black Cats.
Both Larsson and Kieren Westwood were officially confirmed as Sunderland players yesterday, joining as free agents after their previous contracts at Birmingham City and Coventry City respectively expired.
The duo both penned three-year deals at the Stadium of Light to complete a dramatic week that has also seen Steve Bruce recruit Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner and Ji Dong-won.
The Sunderland boss pursuit of Larsson began at the start of the summer, with the Sweden international also attracting the interest of Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers.
He turned down both to move to Wearside, and is hoping to help the Black Cats push towards the upper reaches of the Premier League table.
“I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to it,” said Larsson, who broke off discussions with Sunderland’s North-East neighbours, Newcastle, during the January transfer window. “Sunderland are a club going in the right direction - a massive club with huge support.
“It felt like the right move for me. This is a big club with big ambitions and if things go well, you never know how far it could go.
“I’ve worked with the manager before, and that made the decision easier as well. This is a big challenge for me. I wanted to take the next step in my career, and I feel like I’m doing that by coming here.
“It was a disappointing end to last season (when Birmingham were relegated), but now I’m looking forward to a new challenge. Hopefully, we can do really well and push on.”
Bruce worked with Larsson at close quarters when the pair were both at St Andrew’s, and the Sweden international is likely to start next season as Sunderland’s first-choice right midfielder, replacing Jordan Henderson who joined Liverpool for £19.5m last month.
The 26-year-old began his career as a trainee with Arsenal, before making a £1m move to the Midlands in January 2007.
“I know all about Sebastian having worked with him at Birmingham, and I can tell you he’s a fantastic talent,” said Bruce. “He will boost our threat from set-pieces and give 100 per cent for the cause each and every time he’s on the pitch.
“To be able to bring in a tried and tested, experienced Premier League and international operator is great for this club, and I’m sure Sebastian will be popular with the supporters.”
Westwood cannot boast the same level of top-flight experience, but the Republic of Ireland international established himself as one of the most highly-rated goalkeepers in the Football League last season.
The 26-year-old joins a squad that already features £9m man Craig Gordon and Belgium international Simon Mignolet, and is anticipating a ferocious battle for the right to start the opening game of the Premier League season at Liverpool.
“Maybe in the Championship they have established number ones with younger back ups,” said Westwood. “But at this level it’s all about competition.
“I want to play, but so does everyone else. It’ll be a tough contest, but that’s what it’s about in Premier League squads.
“It feels brilliant to have finally made the move and I cant wait to get started. I’m back on the sixth (of July) and I’ll be getting my head down and working hard straight away.”
Having landed four of his main targets, as well as turning Ahmed Elmohamady’s loan switch into a permanent move, Bruce can be justifiably satisfied with his summer work so far.
However, he will not be resting on his laurels, and remains determined to push through a £12m triple deal for Darron Gibson, John O’Shea and Wes Brown.
Talks involving all three players remain ongoing, with sources in the North-West claiming O’Shea in particular has softened his stance markedly in the last few days.
The Republic of Ireland international was initially the least receptive to a move to the North-East, but it now appears he is willing to travel to Wearside to talk terms.
If O’Shea and Brown sign, Bruce will not be making a renewed approach to Nedum Onuoha, who spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
Blackburn Rovers are understood to be lining up a formal offer for the Manchester City defender.
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