Florent Ghisolfi reveals why Sunderland moved for Thomas Meunier as defender explains transfer decision | OneFootball

Sunderland have signed Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal, adding major experience ahead of a season featuring Premier League and Europa League football.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 34-year-old arrives after his Lille contract expired and will wear number 12. He completed a medical earlier this week and is due to link up with Régis Le Bris’ squad in early August following Belgium duty at the 2026 World Cup.

Meunier has more than 550 senior club appearances and 83 caps. He emerged from Belgium’s lower leagues before establishing himself at Club Brugge, where he won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Meunier’s experience, leadership and professionalism, alongside quality in defence and attack, can aid the squad. He felt the defender had a positive connection with the club from early talks and called the move a great fit.

Meunier said Sunderland’s ambition and Europa League qualification were central to his choice. He had other options but opted to experience Premier League football for the first time, viewing it as one of the sport’s biggest challenges.

He added that he is excited and honoured to join, impressed by the project and the drive to keep progressing. The Belgian aims to pass on his know-how, support team-mates and build a bond with the supporters, and is eager to get started.

Source: Sunderland Echo