Egypt’s winger Ahmed Elmohamady has officially become a Sunderland player after his club ENPPI agreed to release him on a permanent basis.

“Sunderland notified us that they are willing to take up the buy-out clause on Elmohamady and today we sent them an agreement,” ENPPI president Magued Nagaty told the club’s official website.

The 23-year old winger joined Sunderland last summer on a season-long loan deal worth £500,000 sterling, with an option of making the move permanent for an extra fee of £2 million.

“Elmohamady is now officially a Sunderland player. The total amount of the deal will be £2.5 million, plus 15% of the amount of his next transfer fee,” Nagaty added.

The two-time African champion made a big impact at Sunderland, playing 29 games. Coach Steve Bruce seems excited by his potential.

"I'm delighted with the progress Ahmed has made this season, so naturally we're happy to activate the option on the loan deal," Bruce was quoted as saying on Sunderland’s official website.

"Ahmed still has learning to do but he has done well for us so far. He's a lovely lad with a great attitude and is an exemplary professional who is dedicated to improving his game."

"Despite his young age Ahmed is already vastly experienced at international level and people forget he's had to adapt to a completely different lifestyle and style of play."

"He's really starting to adjust to English life now and is popular in the dressing room. I think there's much more to come for him,” he concluded.