Thursday 7 August 2014 20:02, UK
Sunderland midfielder El-Hadji Ba has joined French Ligue 1 side SC Bastia on a season-long loan.
The 21-year old Frenchman, who looked to have fallen down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light after the arrival of Jack Rodwell, links up with Claude Makelele’s side and could make his Ligue 1 debut for the Blues against Marseille in the season-opener this weekend.
Ba joined the Black Cats last summer from French second division side Le Havre, making his debut against Carlisle United in the FA Cup, scoring in the 3-1 win, before making two more appearances for the club.
Sunderland tweeted after his departure: ''Good luck to @Elhadjbaaby who has joined French Ligue One side SC Bastia on a season-long loan.''
Ba later tweeted: "I want just say thanks to (Paolo) Di Canio, Gus Poyet, the staff and players for all they have taught me. Fans were very nice I wish you the best."
