On july 2012
Carlos Cuellar is Sunderland's first signing of the summer. Cuellar signs two-year deal. Martin O'Neill has completed a move for free-agent defender Carlos Cuellar. Martin O'Neill has completed his first permanent signing as Sunderland manager by securing the signature of experienced defender Carlos Cuellar.
The 30-year-old, who was a free agent, has penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light. The Spanish defender is primarily a centre-back but can also play in either full-back position.
Cuellar's move sees him reunited with O'Neill after the pair had a successful two-year spell working together at Aston Villa between 2008 and 2010.
Madrid-born Cuellar rose through the leagues in his homeland, spending time with Calahorra and Numancia before joining Osasuna in 2003.
He helped Los Rojillos to the final of the Copa del Rey and qualification for the Champions' League as well as the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.
Cuellar joined Scottish Premier League side Rangers in July 2007 and enjoyed a fantastic 2007-08 season, making a club-record 65 appearances in all competitions.
He also won the SPL Player of the Season award and the Scottish Football Writers' prize during a campaign which saw Rangers reach the last four of the UEFA Cup.
The defender's form drew the attention of O'Neill and Aston Villa, who parted with a £7.8m fee to bring him to the Midlands in August 2008.
He was a crowd favourite at Villa Park, making 123 appearances and scoring three goals in four seasons with the club.
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