English Premier League side Sunderland have announced on their official website the signing of Egyptian winger Ahmed Elmohamady from ENPPI on a three-year contract. The Cairo club's general manager, Alaa Abdel Sadeq, told Ahram Online that the transfer fee is 2.5 million pounds sterling (LE22.5 million).

The 23-year old winger signed a season-long loan deal from Egyptian outfit ENPPI last summer, which included a clause allowing Sunderland to make the deal permanent for the pre-agreed fee.

Elmohamady was a regular in the team last season, making 38 appearances for the Black Cats.

"Sunderland is a nice place and people are so friendly. Everyone has been so helpful, especially here at the club. I feel as if I'm back home in Egypt." The Pharaohs winger was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

Black Cats tactician Steve Bruce expressed his interest during the season in keeping the player beyond the year-long loan as he lived up to expectations and showed potential to come on strongly.

“Ahmed is an exciting prospect and he’s got the attributes you need - pace, desire and physique - to succeed in the modern game.”  Bruce told Sunderland's official site.