Sunderland have completed the signing of Kosovo international Arbenit Xhemajli, confirming the news via their official website.

With the new season fast approaching, Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson has been busy in trying to improve his Sunderland squad.

Xjemajli has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light for some time, with Chronicle Live being among the first to share news of the League One club's interest.

The young defender became a free agent following his exit from Neuchatel Xamax this summer and is valued at £765,000 by Transfermarkt.

He appeared for the Black Cats against Gateshead last week, with website Roker Report handing him a 6/10 rating for his display, and it has now been confirmed that the defender has arrived at the club on a permanent deal.

Xhemajli becomes Phil Parkinson's fifth signing of the summer, arriving after a six-figure compensation payment was agreed with his former club.

The left footed defender made his first senior international appearance for Kosovo against Gibraltar after making five appearances for the under-21 side (as per Transfermarkt).

A fifth signing for Sunderland has seen Parkinson take quite the gamble, with Xhemajli having no experience of English football.

That being said, any signing for the Black Cats is welcome as they look to bounce back after a second consecutive promotion failure. The new season is almost upon us and Xhemajli is now available for the first league game against Bristol Rovers next Saturday.

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