Sunderland sign defender Frederik Alves from West Ham

Alves, a Danish-born 21-year-old, is the Black Cats’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window, with his temporary switch from the London Stadium having been confirmed last night.

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐤!

We are delighted to announce the defender has joined the club on a season-long loan from West Ham United.

📝👇

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 13, 2021

Having started his youth career in Denmark, the defender spent two years in Brazil before returning to his homeland to join Silkeborg in 2017.

He helped Silkeborg win promotion to the Danish top-flight and secured a £1m move to West Ham this January, signing a three-and-a-half year deal.

A Denmark Under-21 international, Alves represented his country at this summer’s European Under-21 Championships.

“Frederik is a player that we have followed closely throughout the past six months, so we are delighted to welcome him to the club,” said Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.

“He’s a high-quality footballer, and an Under-21 international, and this is a great opportunity for him to continue his development at senior level, having experienced regular first-team action during his time in Denmark. He is good on the ball, tall and mobile and we now have real strength in depth in central defence.”

Alves added: “It feels very good to be here and I’m looking forward to learning the English style of play and playing matches, so I’m very excited to get started.

“The Sunderland fans can expect a football playing centre back – I like to play football a lot – but I’m also a physical player. I will do everything I can to help the club and I’m ready to give 100 per cent.”