French football expert Baptiste Reynaud has explained why Sunderland are desperate to sign left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse.
Sunderland have been heavily linked with Toulouse full-back Dayann Methalie in recent weeks of the summer transfer, and French football expert Baptiste Reynaud believes he would be an outstanding signing for the Black Cats.
After reports emerged in mid-July that Sunderland were lining up a move for Toulouse left-back Methalie following his impressive breakout campaign in Ligue 1, the Stadium of Light hierarchy have been in negotiations with Toulouse regarding the move.
Given that the French youth international emerged as one of European football's most promising young full-backs last season, the Stadium of Light faithful are desperate to see the two clubs finally reach an agreement on the transfer fee for the 20-year-old, with Toulouse reportedly seeking £25.7m to sell Methalie to Sunderland.
As the transfer negotiations between the two top flight sides continue, French football expert Baptiste Reynaud of Le Classique Podcast has exclusively explained to Sunderland Roundtable in detail why the Black Cats are desperate to sign Methalie, what he will bring to Regis Le Bris' squad after his performances last season, and much more.
Expert Gives Sunderland Fans Insight On Transfer Target Dayann Methalie
Sunderland are yet to spend a penny on transfer fees so far this summer, with their only signing thus far being experienced free agent defender Thomas Meunier, but the Black Cats are seeking to spend a substantial portion of their pot on a left-sided full-back.
As a result, Reynaud has outlined the aspects to Methalie's game which have placed his name so highly on Sunderland's transfer wishlist.
He exclusively told Sunderland Roundtable: "He looks like he has all the tools required to be a modern left-back/left wing-back.
"Methalie is tall (1.86m) for that position, is blessed with great pace and confidence going forward, and is very energetic.
"He is a talented France U-21 international who grew in stature even more towards the end of last season, though he still has room for improvement, as demonstrated by the fact that he was one of the players who committed the most fouls in Ligue 1 last season (a mixture of enthusiasm and also, likely, of at times being out of position). It’s reasonable to be excited because he still has room to grow."
Methalie featured 31 times for Toulouse last season in his first full senior campaign, notching two goals and an assist with some impressive performances along the way.
In terms of how the Sunderland transfer target performed for the Ligue 1 outfit last season, Reynaud explained: "He truly burst onto the scene last season. Playing as a left wing-back in Toulouse’s 3-4-3 system, he gradually made the position his own as the season went on.
"What was even more encouraging was the progress overseen over the season; Methalie became more comfortable and decisive, with two goals and an assist over the last few games, even though Toulouse did not really have anything to play for.
"You could see real growth in his game over time, and that’s always promising. An impressive first season in the top flight."
From Le Bris' perspective, Sunderland absolutely need to add a left-back to their ranks ahead of next season's Premier League return and Europa League venture, with veteran Reinildo his only senior trademark left-back following Dennis Cirkin's exit and Arthur Masuaku's inevitable summer departure.
Therefore, Methalie would be an ideal signing for Sunderland, not only to fill a necessary hole in the squad, but also given the 20-year-old's profile differences from Reinildo.
Reynaud added on what Methalie will bring to Sunderland: "Reinildo is entering the last year of his contract, is getting closer to 33, and needed competition anyway as the only real LB specialist:
"Sunderland will have to juggle domestic and European football, and so depth is undoubtedly required.
"Methalie is 20, a France U-21 international, and fits with the philosophy put in place by the club over the last 18 months or so.
"As to what he’ll bring, I would expect a lot of energy and enthusiasm to start, hopefully with some fearlessness, and perhaps more attacking flair than Reinildo, though I would expect the Mozambican to be a better defensive player at this stage of their respective careers."
"To me, the big focus is on Methalie stepping into the right context. Toulouse have had real success in developing and giving young players a positive environment over the last 15 years or so. Methalie will have looked at his options and, with limited financial power in France to prise him away from Toulouse, Sunderland makes a lot of sense, both from a development and financial standpoint for all involved."
Interestingly, Reynaud also outlined that the French contingent on Wearside, of head coach Le Bris and Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi, is a major attraction to talents akin to Methalie.
"In my view, you cannot minimise the positive impact that Regis Le Bris and Florent Ghisolfi (both widely recognised within the French football world) have had in creating an environment conducive to developing young players," he added.
"Whilst Reinildo is a very capable left-back, Methalie will be looking to push on and will have seen other young players burst onto the scene at Sunderland. He would likely be hoping to become their starting left-back, and with France lacking options in that part of the pitch and his U-21 status, it would be reasonable for him to think that this is a sensible path to the senior squad.
"As for his ability, he’s comfortable on the ball, good going forward and blessed with good pace. Expectations also have to be managed in the sense that he’s only got one season of top flight football behind him.
"Provided that he is coached the right way and allowed to play through and learn from inevitable mistakes due to his youth, then his ceiling remains high. I cannot overstate how important that development pathway and individual and collective coaching and mentorship by Le Bris is."
Finally, with Sunderland now at the negotiating table with Toulouse as they seek to agree a fee for the French starlet, Reynaud believes that the reported £25.7m asking price of the Ligue 1 outfit is "good business" for the club.
"With all due respect, Premier League fans need to understand that their league is inflating prices.", he noted.
"Sunderland as a newly promoted club, spent £130m net last summer upon promotion. These are riches that no other league in world football – and, apart from PSG, no one in France – can boast about.
"Therefore, with that in mind, it strikes me that £25m for a 20-year-old France U-21 international who’d extended his contract in November constitutes good business on paper.
"The proof will be in the time given to him, but £25m does not strike me as a high-pressure fee as it might have done in the past."
Now, the onus is on Sunderland to secure Methalie's signature from Toulouse in the coming days, and bring one of Europe's most exciting young full-backs to the Black Cats project.
