Farewell to France: ex-BVB pro Meunier heads for pastures new | OneFootball

Thomas Meunier never really found true happiness in Dortmund. The Belgian full-back joined BVB in the summer of 2020 with high hopes. Now the veteran, now 34 years old, is setting out for new shores.

Meunier is currently with his national team at the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Belgium begin the tournament on Monday (15 June, 9 p.m.) with a clash against Egypt. Matches against Iran and New Zealand will follow. Meunier and his teammates should have a very good chance of making it beyond the group stage at the World Cup.

When the knockout stage begins at the end of June and start of July, Meunier will officially be without a club. The former Dortmund player’s contract with LOSC Lille expires on 30 June 2026. After that, the professional with 80 international caps to his name will be a free agent.

But that situation apparently will not last long, as Spanish outlet El Desmarque reports. According to the report, Meunier is a top transfer target for Valencia CF. Negotiations with the former BVB player are even continuing during the World Cup.

It is said that the ninth-placed La Liga side has already reached a basic agreement with the player. The only issue still open is the length of the contract. Since Meunier, at 34, is already in the twilight of his career, there are still some details to be clarified.

“A great signing”

Juan Carlos Garrido (57) worked with Meunier at Club Brugge in 2012/13. The Spanish coach is convinced that the former Dortmund player would be an excellent fit for Valencia CF. “I clearly consider him a player of outstanding quality and a very high level for Valencia,” says the renowned coach. The right-back would “clearly improve” the squad “in that position.”

Meunier is “one of those players who adds value and brings professionalism to the team.” In addition, the Belgian is used to “playing at the highest level and delivering consistently good performances.” Garrido considers the Belgian, who has not hired an agent, to be “a great signing”.

Photo: Getty Images

Between 2020 and 2024, Meunier made a total of 83 appearances for BVB. He scored three goals and provided eight assists. However, due to inconsistent performances, he was only rarely an undisputed regular starter. In February 2024, the full-back left the Black and Yellows for Trabzonspor. Less than half a year later, he moved on to Lille.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.