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It's the end of the line for Patrick van Aanholt at Chelsea FC. The fullback has joined Sunderland today on a permanent transfer, where he'll have a chance to fight for minutes in the Premier League next season.
Van Aanholt joined Chelsea in 2007 from PSV Eindhoven, part of the club's first push to import high-end talent into the academy from abroad. He gained homegrown status in England because of that move at an early age, which was likely a key factor the interest shown by Sunderland.
The Dutchman made several appearances for Chelsea before beginning his long spell on loan, where he saw time at Newcastle, Coventry City, Leicester City, Wigan Athletic, and Vitesse Arnhem. He was good enough during his season and a half in the Netherlands to earn a look for the Netherlands ahead of the World Cup, but wasn't named to the 23-man squad for Brazil.
As always, best of luck to van Aanholt as he moves on with his career. Just try not to score against Chelsea, ok?