Sunderland AFC hit the jackpot with £6m PSG signing who produced Barclays brilliance: View | OneFootball

Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon became an iconic Barclaysman following his move from Paris Saint Germain.

During the Barclays Premier League era, there were several iconic players who sported the famous red and white of Sunderland.

Having sponsored the top flight from 2001 to 2016, the bank-sponsored era saw a host of players who will be remembered for their specific skill sets, personalities and iconic moments.

One player who defined Sunderland's Barclays era was Stephane Sessegnon, who must go down as one of the most technically gifted players the club has ever possessed.

Sunderland signed Stephane Sessegnon for £6m from PSG

January signings always represent an element of risk, given that time is of the essence and clubs are under added pressure to deliver signings that could change their fortunes.

Although Sessegnon arrived with a reasonable pedigree, the reported £6m fee represented some risk for the North East club. However, it was a risk worth taking as the Black Cats pushed for a European finish.

Sunderland pulled off the signing of Sessegnon at the end of the January transfer window. The Benin international became Steve Bruce's second major signing of the window, having landed Sulley Muntari on loan from Inter Milan.

When speaking on Sessegnon's arrival, Bruce hyped up the midfielder: "Stephane can play on the left, on the right, through the middle - he's lightning quick, and he's a match-winner.

"He's a little powerhouse with a small centre of gravity, some great dribbling skills and a good shot. I think he'll be a big hit with the supporters. I predict he'll turn into a crowd favourite."

In fairness to Bruce, he was spot on as the little magician went on to produce several moments of sheer class for the Black Cats, making him a memorable Barclaysman.

Following Sessegnon's signing in January, Bruce's men went on a torrid run of nine games without a win, which saw their hopes of European football dissipate before their very eyes.

Towards the end of the season, the Black Cats regained some of their early season form and won three of their last five games. During that run, Sessegnon showed supporters exactly what Bruce was talking about, with some fine performances, scoring three and assisting two.

During the 2011/12 campaign, the wizard cemented himself as a fan favourite with some truly scintillating displays in red and white. Operating anywhere across the front line, the player had the ability to turn a game on its head with his movement, trickery and ability to beat a man with ease.

Statistically, his second season was also his most profitable, as the midfielder produced seven goals and nine assists in a Sunderland side that finished the season in a respectable 13th position.

Although the team were not blessed with goals, the moments of magic produced by Sessegnon and Seb Larsson went a long way to ensuring the Black Cats achieved a worthy league finish.

Selling Stephane Sessegnon to West Bromwich Albion was a mistake

Despite netting a further seven goals and four assists for the Wearsiders during the 2012/13 league season, manager Paulo Di Canio deemed the midfielder surplus to requirements as he was sold to Premier League rivals, West Brom, in the summer of 2013.

The loan signing of Fabio Borini was cited as the reason for Di Canio allowing the Benin international to leave the club, and although Borini went on to become a hit, fans were disappointed by Sessegnon's departure.

The only positive that came from the sale was the financial side of the deal, with West Brom reported to have paid a club-record fee for the midfielder, far surpassing the £6.5m the club paid for Shane Long, as per BBC Sport.

While Sessegnon went on to have three seasons at the West Midlands club, he never hit the highs of his spell at Sunderland and will therefore always be remembered for sporting the red and white jersey.

Given the Roker Men's demise, the sale of Sessegnon must be considered a mistake, as the midfield maestro dazzled with his match-winning displays in front of the Sunderland faithful.

The signing of Sessegnon was a wise one as the attacking-midfielder produced some golden performances for Sunderland.

Sessegnon lived up to Bruce's words and more with his speed, tenacity and match-winning ability, making him a true Barclaysman.