Florent Ghisolfi on Sunderland’s Thomas Meunier deal as defender outlines move | OneFootball

The club confirmed a two-year deal for 34-year-old Belgium international Thomas Meunier after his Lille contract expired. He completed a medical earlier this week and will join Régis Le Bris' squad in early August following Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign. The right-back will wear number 12.

He arrives with over 550 senior appearances at club level and 83 caps, bolstering a squad set for Premier League and Europa League football. Meunier rose from Belgium's lower leagues to Club Brugge, winning the league and cup.

Meunier moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, winning three league titles before spells with Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and Lille. His arrival adds competition for Trai Hume at right-back and could also free Nordi Mukiele to play more often in central defence.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Meunier's experience, professionalism and leadership would benefit the team on and off the pitch, adding that early talks left the player with a positive impression of the club. He highlighted quality in both defensive and attacking phases and a mentality forged at elite clubs and with Belgium.

Meunier cited the club's ambition and Europa League qualification as key reasons for joining after weighing other options. He called the Premier League a challenge he has long wanted to experience and hopes to contribute his experience while building a strong bond with supporters.

Source: Sunderland Echo