SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of young attacker Isaac Lihadji.

The 20-year-old has joined from Lille, signing an initial two-and-a-half year deal, with the Black Cats holding the option of a further year.

Lihadji, who will wear the No.22 shirt, will train with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning.

The young attacker arrives on Wearside with quite the pedigree, having played 39 times for Lille's first team, including 21 appearances during their 2020/21 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign.

A France international from Under-16 to Under-21s, Lihadji played three times in last season's Champions League.

Lihadji told the club website: “I can see it’s a beautiful city with supporters who have a great love for football, so I’m happy to be here.

"The project attracted me because the club inspire young players to improve their level and I am ready for the challenge.

"I’m excited to play for the club and I’m eager to get on the field.”

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Boss Tony Mowbray was delighted with the signing but also urged patience and caution.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Isaac to Sunderland AFC and it’s a mark of the club’s progression that we can attract this level of talent when so many others were in the mix.

"His playing time has been limited in recent months and we need to manage our immediate expectations, but he will add competition to the squad and we always have one eye on next season.

"I often talk about how important it is to keep putting talent into the club, so we are delighted that Isaac has chosen to continue his career with us and we are looking forward to working with him.”