Sunderland showed a real statement of intent by completing the twin signings of Adam Johnson from Manchester City and Steven Fletcher from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a combined fee believed to be around £25 million ($39.5 million).
The Black Cats have been trying to seal the deal for striker Fletcher the entire summer, with Wolves rejecting two previous bids, before finally accepting an offer which will eventually rise to £15 million ($23.7 million) based on appearances and success. Fletcher, who scored 12 goals last season but could not prevent Wolves from being relegated, signed a four-year contract.
"I'm delighted and relieved to be here," the 25-year-old told the club's official website. "It's taken a while but I'm glad it's finally done.
"When you come to the training ground and the Stadium of Light it obviously shows how big the club is. I've played here a few times, and the atmosphere is always good; I can't fault it.
"It's obviously one of the main things for me, playing Premier League football, especially at a big club like Sunderland. This definitely feels like the next step.
"I'm going to try and bring goals if I can and we'll hopefully win a few games."
"I had a great relationship with all the players at Wolves, we're good friends.
"The fans were always great to me too and I wish them all the best. Hopefully they can get back up to the Premier League."
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill admitted he was relieved to finally sign the striker, with the club in desperate need for reinforcements upfront. "It has been no secret that we needed to strengthen our attacking options and Steven has a proven track record of scoring goals.
"He is young and constantly improving and he will be a very welcome addition to the squad. I'm delighted that we've been able to bring him to Sunderland."
Johnson, meanwhile, also signed a four-year contract after Manchester City accepted a fee of around £10 million ($15.5 million) for the winger. Johnson, who was also linked to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, had found himself surplus to requirements at the Etihad and the England international said he was delighted to sign for Sunderland, while admitting O'Neill's presence at the club was a big factor in the decision.
"It feels fantastic," the 25-year-old said. "I was born here and there have been rumors in the past about me coming here.
"It's great to have signed and it's a fresh start.
"Coming back to the north east and Martin O'Neill were the two main factors, especially the gaffer and listening to what he had to say to me.
"He made it clear just how much he wanted me to come here. To know that and feel wanted and appreciated made me feel that it was the right choice to sign.
"He knows exactly what he wants from his players and from me personally. Hopefully he'll give me plenty of confidence as well."
