Florent Ghisolfi explains Thomas Meunier signing as defender outlines Sunderland decision | OneFootball

Sunderland have signed Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year contract after his Lille deal expired. The 34-year-old right-back will wear number 12 at the Stadium of Light.

He completed a medical earlier this week and will join Régis Le Bris’ squad in early August following his involvement with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. According to Sunderland Echo, the move strengthens a squad set for Premier League and Europa League action.

Meunier arrives with more than 550 senior club appearances and 83 caps. His addition adds competition for Trai Hume at right-back and could also allow Nordi Mukiele to feature more regularly in central defence.

The Belgian rose from his homeland’s lower leagues to shine for Club Brugge, lifting the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 for four years, winning three league titles, then played for Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and Lille.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi believes Meunier’s experience, professionalism and leadership will be valuable on and off the pitch, highlighting his quality in both defensive and attacking phases and calling the move a great fit.

Meunier said the club’s ambition and Europa League qualification were key to his decision, and that he chose Sunderland over other options to experience the Premier League for the first time. He wants to test himself against top teams, bring experience to the dressing room and build a strong bond with supporters.

Source: Sunderland Echo