Sunderland signs Thomas Meunier on free transfer

Sunderland is poised to complete its first major signing of the summer, with veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier set to join the club on a free transfer. The 34-year-old right-back arrived in the North East on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to undergo a medical and finalize a two-year contract after his deal with French club Lille expired.

The move adds significant experience to manager Régis Le Bris's squad as Sunderland prepares for a demanding campaign that includes a return to European football in the Europa League, following a seventh-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League. Meunier, who has earned over 60 caps for Belgium and was part of their 2018 World Cup squad, brings a wealth of top-level experience from spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Lille.

His arrival is viewed as a financially sensible piece of business that addresses the need for greater squad depth. With Sunderland facing a congested fixture schedule, Meunier's proven track record in European competitions is considered a valuable asset. The signing also appears to signal the end of the club's pursuit of other defensive targets, notably Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida,...