Sunderland have completed the signing of Robbin Ruiter, the Dutch goalkeeper, who has joined the Championship side on a free transfer.
As the Black Cats prepare for life in the second-tier following last season’s frankly disastrous Premier League campaign, new manager Simon Grayson has now brought in four new faces. Aiden McGeady, James Vaughan and Jason Steele have already been signed, and now Ruiter follows.
The 30-year-old has spent his entire career to date in his homeland with Volendam and Utrecht, but will now compete with Steele and Mika for a starting place. And he has expressed his excitement at the challenge which lies ahead, having jumped at the chance of a move to the Stadium of Light.
“I’m very pleased to be here,” Ruiter told Sunderland’s website. “From the moment I stepped through the door everything was so professional. It’s such a big club and for me it was always a dream to play in England, so if a club like Sunderland comes and asks if you want to sign it’s a big chance.”
Ruiter could be available for Grayson on Friday night, subject to international clearance, when Sunderland begin their Championship campaign with a home clash against Derby County.
