Watford have announced the signing of Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Pantilimon, 28, will provide competition for the Hornets' current No. 1 Heurelho Gomes, whose starting spot was in question earlier on this season.
The Romania international started the season as Sunderland's first-choice goalkeeper but had not played for Sam Allardyce's side since their 3-1 defeat at Chelsea on Dec. 19, and was not included in the last three squads.
OFFICIAL: #watfordfc is pleased to confirm the signing of keeper Costel Pantilimon on a 3.5 yr deal from Sunderland pic.twitter.com/WMYlkHpjOw
- Watford FC (@WatfordFC) January 19, 2016
A statement on Watford's official website read: "Goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has today completed a permanent transfer to Vicarage Road, the Hornets are pleased to confirm.
"The 28-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Watford and arrives for an undisclosed fee from fellow Premier League side Sunderland.
"A Romanian international, the keeper featured 49 times after joining the Black Cats in the summer of 2014, including 18 outings during the first half of this season.
"He had previously spent three years at Manchester City, [playing] 29 times following a £3 million move from Romanian outfit Politehnica Timisoara."
A short statement on the Black Cats' website read: "Sunderland AFC would like to thank Costel and wish him the very best for the future at his new club."
Pantilimon made seven league appearances for Manchester City in a three-year spell at the club before joining Sunderland in 2014.
The arrival of Pantilimon follows the Hornets sealing winger Nordin Amrabat on a three-and-a-half-year contract from Malaga on Monday.
The Press Association contributed to this report.
