Dijon hope Djilobodji can cut the mustard in season’s loan
Dijon say they have signed Papy Djilobodji for his athleticism and aerial ability.
The 28-year-old has moved to the Ligue 1 side on a seasonlong loan deal from Sunderland after a disappointing spell on Wearside since arriving from Chelsea in a big-money move last summer.
David Moyes’ £8million signing failed to impress in the Premier League.
And with the Senegalese centre-back firmly out of favour under Black Cats boss Simon Grayson, the club have decided to move him on in a temporary deal to free up much-needed wages.
Sunderland replaced him with Bournemouth defender Marc Wilson, with the versatile Ireland cap also capable of playing in midfield too.
Djilobodji will now look to rebuild his career in France, where he spent five successful years at Nantes.
Sebastien Larcier, Dijon’s head of recruitment, revealed why they made a late deadlineday move for the centre-back.
He said: “He is a left-footed, athletic and powerful defender, performing well in the aerial field, which sometimes fails us.
“His experience of the high level will also be interesting.”
Club president Olivier Delcourt said: “It was a priority for several weeks, we are therefore very pleased to have finalized this transfer.
“Papy has undeniable qualities and will bring us his experience.”
It means Djilobodji could have played his final game for Sunderland with the Black Cats no doubt keen to move him on permanently next summer. There is no clause in the deal with Dijon to automatically make it permanent.