Sunderland snap up Maritimo defender Valentin Roberge
Sunderland have signed French defender Valentin Roberge on a three-year contract from Portuguese side Maritimo, the northeast club announced on Monday.
Sunderland have signed French defender Valentin Roberge on a three-year contract from Portuguese side Maritimo, the northeast club announced on Monday.
The 25-year-old becomes the latest player to join new manager Paolo Di Canio's Wearside revolution after his contract with the Madeira club expired.
Roberge played in both Maritimo's Europa League group games against Newcastle last season. He began his career at Brittany side Guingamp before moving to Paris St Germain.
Roberge then spent two years in Greece with Aris before sealing his move to Maritimo, where he made 32 appearances last season, in 2010.
The defender follows youngsters Duncan Watmore and David Moberg Karlsson into the club with Di Canio making wholesale changes in both the senior and development ranks.