The Paraguay international has signed a four-year deal on Wearside, ending Sunderland’s summer long chase for a left sided central defender.
“I’m feeling great about signing for this great team, I’m really happy,” said the 28-year-old, who will cost Sunderland £10.4m plus a further £1m in potential add-ons.
“I’m looking forward to my first experience in the Premier League – it’s a great challenge for me.
“I know it’s a historic club, and when they told me there was an opportunity, I was excited about coming here.
“It’s always important to have the support of the people, and I’m going to give it my all on the pitch.”
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Alderete made 99 appearances for Getafe in his four year spell at the club. He started his career in South America before moving to Europe in 2019 and playing for FC Basel, Hertha BSC and Valencia, and the central defender’s vast experience was one of the major factors that appealed to Sunderland.
Speakman said: “We are delighted to welcome Omar to Sunderland.
“He’s a player with extensive experience in European Club football and at the international level.
“It was important for us to identify and add a left-sided centre back for the group, and ensure the profile was aligned to our game model.
“In Omar, we have an aggressive and athletic player who can move the ball efficiently in possession.
“He’s connected to our story and where we want to go, and naturally excited about the opportunity to play in the Premier League.”
Saturday’s game might come too soon for Alderete – who will wear the No.15 shirt this season – to go straight into the side, with Regis Le Bris now planning to closely assess the new recruit on the training pitches at the Academy of Light in the next 48 hours.
Rather than rush Alderete into the team, Le Bris will likely partner Dan Ballard with Jenson Seelt, who impressed in Saturday’s pre-season win Augsburg.
