Jordi Gomez Officially Agrees Sunderland Transfer from Wigan Athletic

Sunderland officially announced the signing of Jordi Gomez. The 29-year-old's contract expires with Wigan at the end of June, so he'll join the Black Cats on July 1 for free.   

The club shared the news on Thursday via Twitter:

Gomez is the second player Sunderland have signed this summer, after agreeing to a four-year deal with former West Brom defender Billy Jones, per Sky Sports.

Sky Sports' Graeme Bailey is unimpressed with the Black Cats' business so far:

While Gomez isn't a marquee name, Sunderland might have learned the error of their ways last summer, when former manager Paolo Di Canio splashed major cash on Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini, both of whom flattered to deceive. Free transfer Andrea Dossena was also a disappointment.

Gomez addresses what was one of Sunderland's biggest issues last season, which was the lack of a creative presence in the attacking midfield after the departure of Stephane Sessegnon. Gomez is a versatile midfielder who can be deployed in a multitude of ways, whether as a central midfielder, central attacking midfielder or winger.

He's spent the last five seasons with Wigan, four of which came in the Premier League. Gomez also helped the Latics win the 2013 F.A. Cup.

In 33 Championship appearances last year, the former Barcelona youth product scored seven goals and assisted on another five, according to WhoScored.com. In addition, he played in six Europa League matches, notching a goal and an assist.

Sunderland's more modest approach to the transfer market might not create as much of a buzz, but it will arguably benefit the club more in the long run, as the Black Cats won't be saddled with a glut of high earners who aren't pulling their weight, as was the case last season.

Between the signing of Gomez and news of Gus Poyet's new contract, per Louise Taylor of The Guardian, Sunderland supporters should be encouraged with what the club has done so far.