Sebastian Coates is on the verge of joining Sunderland permanently as the Liverpool FC . agrees a fee of A?4 million.
The 24-year-old center back was signed by the Merseyside club at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, after he impressed in Copa America with his national team. At that point Coates was being touted as a youngster with great potential and was expected to be the lynchpin of Liverpoola s defence for years to come. But it didna t quite turn out as expected for him.
Coates made only 12 league appearances for the Liverpool in his first two seasons at the club and then suffered a critical injury while playing for Uruguay in the 2013-14 season. After regaining his fitness, Coates was loaned back to his former side Nacional for the rest of the campaign. Brendan Rodgers didna t see the Uruguayan international as a part of his plans for the club and the defender was once again sent on loan at the start of last season, this time to Sunderland.
Coates however didna t again the favour of Gus Poyet and he was once again relegated to the bench. The arrival of Dick Advocaat however changed his fortunes and defender featured regularly for his side towards the end, as Sunderland managed an almost miraculous escape from relegation.
The good news for Coates was that Dick Advocaat agreed to extend his stay with Sunderland and the Dutchman has made his move to sign the center back permanently from Liverpool. The Reds have agreed a fee of A?4 million and the official announcement of this deal is expected to be made soon. It is good deal for all the parties involved; Sunderland get a potentially long-term lynchpin at the back for a minimal price, Coates has a chance to get his career back on track, while Liverpool clear up more space for new arrivals this summer.