Sunderland manager Peter Reid beat off competition from a number of clubs to complete the stg£3.5million signing of Argentinian Nicolas Medina - and the teenager plans to repay his new boss.
Black Cats boss Reid landed the 19-year-old, who is a former team-mate of Julio Arca at Argentinos Juniors last season where they were together in the club's youth set-up for eight years.
Reid's move for the teenager marks the start of his summer spending as he looks to hoist Sunderland, who travel to Everton tomorrow, into the Premiership's elite bracket.
Arca was an instant hit following his move from South America in July and Reid will be hoping Medina follows suit.
Medina has signed a long-term deal which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2006.
Reid travelled to Buenos Aires earlier this year to watch the attacking midfielder in action.
Reid said: "I've seen Nicolas on a couple of occasions now and he's impressed me immensely.
"He has excellent passing ability, good tackling technique and has all the attributes of a complete midfield player.
"I am confident that Nicolas will settle at Sunderland - you only need look at Julio Arca and the way he has adapted and taken to English football.
"He is an excellent addition to the squad and I'm confident he'll be a huge success."
Medina made his debut for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 17 and has been capped by his country at Under-17 and Under-19 levels.
The teenager said: "I'm looking forward to playing at the Stadium of Light in front of big crowds, and I'm very happy to join Sunderland.
The Black Cats must win at Goodison Park and hope relegated Manchester City beat Chelsea at Maine Road if they are to finish sixth and qualify for Europe. PA