Republic of Ireland international Aiden O'Brien has signed a two-year deal with English League One club Sunderland.
The 26-year-old centre forward was let go by Championship club Millwall last month after a nine-year spell with the Londoners.
O'Brien, who has scored one goal in four international appearances, is manager Phil Parkinson’s first new recruit ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Thanks for all the welcoming messages! Over the moon to sign for such a MASSIVE club, cannot wait to get started 🙏🏼🤝❤️ @SunderlandAFC pic.twitter.com/X27MS48dYI
— AidenObrien🤷🏼♂️ (@AidenObrien22) July 30, 2020
"It feels terrific to be a Sunderland player. This is a massive club and I just can’t to get going," O'Brien told safc.com.
"I love scoring goals, it’s what I live for and hopefully I can bring plenty to the team. I can’t express how excited I am, and I can’t wait to show the fans and my team-mates what I’m made of."
The Makems will be hoping that O'Brien can replicate his success with Millwall three seasons ago.
He scored 15 goals for the Lions as they earned promotion to the second tier in 2017, while also racking up over 100 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship during his time at the Den.
Parkinson believes that O'Brien's experience will be an asset to the club which will be desperate to get back into the Championship at the third attempt.
"I'm really pleased with the signing of Aiden. He’s at a good age, he has experience of winning this division and he has played plenty of Championship football," said Parkinson.
"Aiden can also play in a variety of attacking roles, which I feel is important for us. We are delighted to welcome him to the club and we are looking forward to working with him."
The move could see O'Brien link up with fellow Irish international Aiden McGeady although the winger's future at the club is uncertain.
The 34-year-old returned from a loan spell with Charlton at the end of the Championship season.
Parkinson was keen to move McGeady out of the club on loan in January and there have been reports in England that the manager may look to loan him out again or sell him before the start of the new campaign.
