Meunier picks Sunderland over Valencia, ready with Brobbey and Roefs

Thomas Meunier was long linked with a move to Valencia, yet he has now signed for Sunderland where he will line up alongside Brian Brobbey and Robin Roefs, a contrast that highlights a shift from a Spanish prospect to an English challenge.

For months the Belgian right‑back appeared destined for Valencia, but the winger‑defender of the Red Devils ultimately chose a different path, confirming a two‑year contract with Sunderland in the Premier League.

The deal marks Meunier’s first adventure in England’s top flight, committing him to the club for the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons and guaranteeing his participation in the Premier League competition.

At Sunderland he will join fellow forwards Brian Brobbey and Robin Roofs, both of whom impressed admirably last season while representing The Black Cats.

Meunier said via the club’s official channels, "I am very happy to be here and to start this new chapter of my career," adding that the Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting competitions in the world.

He continued, "When I spoke with the club I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep progressing. Playing in Europe was also a key factor in my decision, because as a player you always want to test yourself against the best teams and fight for trophies."

Sunderland will compete in the Europa League next season after securing a seventh‑place finish in the Premier League, and Meunier recalled a 2019 tweet in which he wondered how to watch a Sunderland‑Portsmouth match when the club was still in League One.