Sunderland close to Thomas Meunier deal with medical due after two-year agreement | OneFootball

Sunderland are closing in on their first signing of the summer, with Belgium international Thomas Meunier expected on Wearside to undergo a medical.

Sunderland Echo understands that a two-year agreement is in place with the 34-year-old right-back. Barring late complications, he is expected to sign within the next 24 hours.

Meunier is a free agent after his Lille contract expired, having spent the 2025-26 season in France. His arrival would add considerable experience to Régis Le Bris’ squad before the club’s return to European football.

The defender has represented Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge, and brings Champions League experience along with more than 60 Belgium caps.

He began further forward before settling at right-back, with attacking output a consistent feature of his game. Sunderland already have Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele on the right, and Hume has also been used higher up, so Meunier would give another experienced, tactically flexible option.

The move aligns with the recent strategy of adding proven seniors to a youthful core, with Reinildo Mandava and Granit Xhaka influential last season. The medical is the final major step before any announcement, and Sunderland hope to finalise the deal quickly as preparations continue for their opening pre-season friendly away to York City.

Source: Sunderland Echo