Michael Bridges has left Bolton to return to first club Sunderland.
Bridges, who has signed until the end of the season, could appear in Friday's Championship match against Leeds, another of the striker's former clubs.
"I'm excited to be back," said the 26-year-old. "It's amazing how things work out in football."
Bridges recently signed a 12-month deal with Bolton after a brief spell with Newcastle but Sam Allardyce allowed him to leave to seek first-team football.
The 26-year-old has been dogged by a series of injuries since he left the Stadium of Light in 1999 to join Leeds.
But his signing has ended Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy's search for a striker.
And Bridges added: "The fact that I started my career here and had such a good rapport with the fans were two big reasons for me coming back.
"Mick has a good squad of players here and it's my aim to get back into the Premiership."
McCarthy was after a forward following the loss of Scottish international Kevin Kyle, who will have surgery on a damaged hip.
"Michael's proven at the top level," he said.
"This move gives him a chance to play football and I'm delighted he has joined us.
"I had an interest in signing Michael in the summer but he opted to go to Bolton Wanderers. This gives him a chance to play some football.
"It's no secret that I've wanted to bring in a striker and I'm delighted to get Michael and I'm now happy with the strikers I've got."