Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Dutch international Jeremain Lens, for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £9,000,000. An offer was rejected by Dynamo Kyiv last week, only for the Black Cats to return with an improved bid in order to land their man. The 27 year old seems a perfect fit for Dick Advocaat's 4-3-3 formation, capable of being deployed in a wide attacking role or as an out-and-out striker. Lens came through the ranks at AZ Alkmaar before earning a move to PSV Eindhoven, where he proved his versatility by playing on both flanks, as well as occasionally operating in a "second striker" role behind the main forward. He played under Advocaat at both teams, forming a bond which is seen as instrumental in his decision to move to Sunderland. A 2013 transfer to Dynamo Kyiv followed, where the Dutchman helped the club to a league and cup double last year. Lens is likely to fill the left hand side of the Black Cats' frontline, a position uncertainly shared by Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe last season, but one which the newcomer considers a natural role. Although right footed, he enjoys carving out chances by cutting inside - a trait which saw him notch 5 goals and 5 assists in the Netherlands' 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. Sunderland fans will be hoping to see Lens forge an effective left-flank partnership with fellow countryman Patrick Van Aanholt, as well as whichever strike partners he finds himself lining up alongside. He is unquestionably the biggest signing of the summer on Wearside, and should set pulses racing in anticipation for the season ahead.
