Thomas Meunier joins Sunderland on free transfer | OneFootball

Sunderland have announced the signing of Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal.

The defender joins the Black Cats on a free transfer after having spent the last two seasons in France with Lille.

"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," the 34-year-old said on his arrival.

"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience.

"When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward. Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies."

Meunier began his career in his native Belgium, spending five seasons at Club Brugge before moving to Paris Saint-Germain. After three Ligue 1 titles in four seasons, the player next spent three and a half years with Borussia Dortmund before a brief stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor.

A move to Lille followed in the summer of 2024, where Meunier played 80 games in total, scoring four times and making four assists.