Sunderland close on Thomas Meunier as medical set after two-year agreement | OneFootball

Sunderland are closing in on their first transfer breakthrough of the summer, with Belgium international Thomas Meunier due on Wearside for a medical. The 34-year-old is expected in Sunderland today after a two-year agreement was reached, and, providing there are no late complications, he is expected to put pen to paper within the next 24 hours.

The Athletic first reported that Meunier flew into Newcastle on Tuesday morning to complete the formalities of a move to the Stadium of Light.

Meunier is available on a free transfer after his Lille contract expired, having spent the 2025-26 campaign with the French club. His arrival would add significant experience to Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of the club’s return to European football.

The defender has represented Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Trabzonspor and Lille. He has Champions League experience and more than 60 caps for Belgium. A former winger, he became a right-back while retaining attacking threat, and he won league titles with Club Brugge and PSG.

Sunderland already have Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele on the right, yet Meunier’s expected arrival would hand Le Bris another experienced, tactically flexible option. Hume has also been used higher up, so the Belgian could increase variety within the Black Cats’ system. The policy echoes last season, when Reinildo Mandava and Granit Xhaka made a clear impact.

The medical is the final major hurdle before the deal can be completed and announced. Sunderland hope to wrap it up swiftly as preparations continue for their opening pre-season friendly away to York City.

Source: Sunderland Echo