The imposing midfielder reportedly agreed terms over a move to the Stadium of Light.
It looked at one stage this summer as though Sevilla midfielder Vicente Iborra was on his way to Sunderland.
But despite the imposing midfielder previously agreeing terms over a move to the Stadium of Light, his Spanish employers, according to Sky Sports, experienced a last-minute change of heart.
While Sunderland ultimately filled their void with Didier N’Dong, the Gabon international has been unable to arrest the Black Cats’ woeful start to the campaign, suffering three defeats in as many outings in the league – of which his side are rock bottom.
In contrast, Sevilla are currently sixth in La Liga but only three points off the top, and Iborra, although omitted from the eleven that beat Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday, has in recent weeks fought his way back into Jorge Sampaoli’s plans – regaining the captain’s armband in doing so.
And, less than a month after he almost upped sticks, Iborra has now committed to a new contract in Andalusia, where he will remain until 2020.
David Moyes might rue Sunderland’s missed opportunity, but Iborra most certainly will not.
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