Sunderland close in on Thomas Meunier after two-year deal agreed and medical set | OneFootball

Sunderland are close to landing Belgium international Thomas Meunier, who is due on Wearside for a medical.

The 34-year-old right-back is expected in today after a two-year agreement was reached and, subject to no late issues, he could sign within 24 hours. According to The Athletic, he flew into Newcastle on Tuesday morning to complete formalities.

Meunier is a free agent after his Lille contract expired following the 2025-26 campaign. His arrival would be Sunderland’s first senior signing of the summer and would add experience for Régis Le Bris as the club return to European football.

The defender has represented Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund as well as Club Brugge, Trabzonspor and Lille. He has Champions League experience and more than 60 caps for Belgium. He began further forward before settling at right-back, with his attacking qualities still evident.

Sunderland already have Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele on the right, with Hume also used higher up the pitch. Meunier’s expected arrival would provide Le Bris with another experienced and tactically flexible option.

He won domestic honours in Belgium and France, including league titles with Club Brugge and PSG. The move would continue the recent blend of proven senior figures with a younger core, highlighted by Reinildo Mandava and Granit Xhaka last season. The medical is the final major hurdle before completion, and Sunderland hope to conclude the deal swiftly as preparations continue for their opening pre-season friendly away to York City.

Source: Sunderland Echo