Florent Ghisolfi explains Sunderland swoop for Thomas Meunier as defender details transfer choice | 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.

According to Sunderland Echo, he completed a medical earlier this week and will join Régis Le Bris’ squad in early August after the 2026 World Cup. He brings more than 550 club appearances and 83 caps, adding depth for a season featuring the Premier League and Europa League.

Meunier rose from Belgium’s lower leagues to establish himself at Club Brugge, winning the league and cup. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, spending four years and lifting three league titles before spells with Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and Lille.

His arrival increases competition with Trai Hume at right-back and could allow Nordi Mukiele to play centrally more often. Director of football Florent Ghisolfi believes his experience, leadership and professionalism will be valuable, and is confident his mentality will have a positive influence on the squad.

Meunier said the club’s ambition and Europa League qualification were central to his choice. He had other options but opted to sample Premier League football for the first time, pointing to the challenge, the project and the chance to test himself.

He hopes to bring know-how, help his team-mates and forge a strong bond with supporters, and is eager to get started. He also wants to give everything for the club and play his first match in front of the fans.

Source: Sunderland Echo