Sunderland spend £25.6m to plug defensive hole with Methalie

Sunderland are moving to fill a defensive gap ahead of their Premier League opener, agreeing a £25.6 million fee for 20‑year‑old French left‑back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, with the transfer set to be completed after a medical. The deal follows a prolonged pursuit by manager Regis Le Bris' side and aims to add depth before the season starts.

Fee and player profile

Sunderland have agreed a total fee of £25.6 million for Methalie, comprising an initial £23.9 million payment and a potential £1.7 million in add‑ons. The deal was reached verbally before the medical appointment.

The 20‑year‑old French defender made 28 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season, scoring twice in his final three games as the club finished ninth. His performances on the left flank attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. His two late goals helped secure vital points in the closing stages of the campaign.

Methalie, who has been capped four times at under‑21 level by France, is expected to undergo a medical following the verbal agreement. At 20, his international experience is seen as a long‑term asset for Sunderland’s defense.

Sunderland's defensive rebuild

Regis Le Bris' side has pursued the left‑back for months, hoping to shore up the back line before Sunderland’s Premier League campaign begins at Ipswich Town next Saturday at 15:00 BST. The club aims to have him registered before the transfer deadline to ensure eligibility. Sunderland’s defensive record last season highlighted the urgency of the acquisition.

The Black Cats will also compete in Europe for the first time in 53 years, prompting a need for greater squad depth across all positions. Adding Methalie gives manager Le Bris more options to rotate during the congested schedule. The European fixtures will begin in September, adding further matches to the calendar.

Belgian right‑back Thomas Meunier, signed on a free transfer from Lille, remains the only completed signing in the current window. Meunier’s arrival provides immediate experience at right‑back while the club finalises other targets. The football department sees Meunier’s free‑transfer deal as part of a strategy blending experienced signings with promising talent.

The transfer announcement was accompanied by a Getty Images photograph, with the ImagesImage caption noting Dayann Methalie’s four under‑21 caps for France. The image, credited to Getty Images, was released alongside the official club statement. Fans praised the club’s proactive approach on social media following the announcement.