Fabrizio Romano: Sunderland Reach Agreement for Dayann Méthalie as Medical Is Scheduled
Sunderland are finally beginning to make significant progress in the summer transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club have reached an agreement to sign Toulouse defender Dayann Méthalie.
The Black Cats have taken a more measured approach to recruitment this summer after completing an extensive rebuild ahead of their first Premier League campaign last season. Following an impressive seventh-place finish, Sunderland are now preparing for the additional demands of European football, meaning manager Régis Le Bris needs quality and versatility rather than another large group of new arrivals.
Thomas Meunier remains the club’s only confirmed senior signing so far, with the experienced Belgian arriving on a free transfer after leaving Lille. His arrival is expected to provide valuable experience at right-back as Sunderland prepare for a demanding schedule.
Retaining captain Granit Xhaka has also been a major priority. Chelsea reportedly tested Sunderland’s resolve with an offer for the midfielder, but Le Bris was determined to keep his captain. Xhaka is understood to be comfortable at the Stadium of Light and remains an important part of the manager’s plans.
Several players have nevertheless departed. Eliezer Mayenda has completed a move to Rennes, while goalkeeper Anthony Patterson joined Wrexham in a club-record transfer. Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins have also left after reaching the end of their contracts.
Cirkin’s departure created a particularly important vacancy in Sunderland’s defence. Although Reinildo can operate on the left, the club require additional cover because of their involvement in domestic and European competitions.
That need has made Méthalie a major target.
The 20-year-old defender developed through Toulouse’s academy before breaking into the first team last season. His performances convinced the French club to secure his future with a contract extension through 2030, underlining the belief they have in his potential.
Méthalie is capable of playing several positions across the defence. He can operate as a conventional left-back, a wing-back or even on the left side of a three-man defensive system. That versatility is believed to be one of the reasons Sunderland have pushed so strongly to complete the transfer.
Toulouse initially rejected Sunderland’s proposals as they looked to secure a substantial fee for one of their most promising young players. However, Méthalie’s reported preference for a move to Sunderland helped keep negotiations alive.
Now, a breakthrough has finally been reached.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have agreed a verbal deal with Toulouse worth approximately €28 million, with a further €2 million available through performance-related add-ons. The agreement represents a significant investment in a young defender who still has considerable room for development.
Romano has also reported that arrangements are being made for Méthalie to travel to England and undergo his medical in the coming days. Assuming there are no late complications, the defender is expected to complete his move and become Sunderland’s second senior signing of the summer.
The transfer represents a major commitment from Sunderland. Rather than simply signing an experienced player to fill an immediate position, the club are investing heavily in a young defender who can potentially become an important part of the team for many years.
For Le Bris, Méthalie’s versatility could prove particularly valuable. Sunderland face a demanding season that will require rotation, and having a defender capable of covering multiple positions should give the manager greater tactical flexibility.
The Premier League will undoubtedly represent a major step up for the young Frenchman, but Sunderland clearly believe he has the qualities needed to make the transition.
With the medical now expected shortly, supporters will be watching closely for the official confirmation. If everything goes according to plan, Méthalie will soon become the latest addition to a Sunderland squad preparing for another ambitious Premier League campaign and their return to European competition.
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