Sunderland have signed free agent Thomas Meunier this week following his exit from Lille, and the Black Cats will be hoping he can have a similarly positive impact as a similar signing from last summer.
Sunderland completed their first summer signing this week, with the addition of former PSG and Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier, who penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light as a free agent following his summer exit from Lille.
Reports emerged earlier in the week that Sunderland were set to sign Meunier, which came as a pleasant surprise for the Black Cats fanbase, given the 34-year-old's wealth of experience in Europe's top five leagues and on the international stage for Belgium.
In regard to the right-back, Meunier's arrival seemingly ends the potential of Sunderland signing Lutsharel Geertruida after his loan spell from RB Leipzig last season, with the Black Cats saving £20m in the process to invest in other areas of Regis Le Bris' squad.
Although Meunier may not be the marquee, big-money signing that Sunderland fans are craving, his addition is an extremely sensible one from the Stadium of Light transfer team, and one that has similarities to an impressive addition from last summer's pre-Premier League return transfer window.
Thomas Meunier in action against Mehdi Taremi in Belgium vs Iran (Credit: REUTERS)Thomas Meunier Can Have Same Sunderland Impact As Reinildo
Last summer, as part of the Black Cats' major recruitment drive ahead of their Premier League campaign, Sunderland made the clever signing of left-back Reinildo, who signed as a free agent following a successful four-season stint at La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
In his maiden campaign on Wearside, Reinildo was an ever-present in Le Bris' side when fit, making 25 appearances for Sunderland and notching one assist.
Against some of the most difficult right-wingers that the Premier League has to offer, the Mozambique international proved to be a consistent performer for Sunderland, helping to solidify the backline and play an important role in the Black Cats' remarkable finish.
Now, the Black Cats have completed a very similar signing on the opposite side of defence with Meunier, who like Reinildo arrived as a free agent on a two-year deal, and brought years of experience at the elite level of European football with him to the Sunderland dressing room.
During their respective spells at Lille and PSG, both Reinildo (2020/21) and Meunier (2017-2020) have lifted the Ligue 1 title and have vast experience in European competition, which will be pivotal in helping their young Sunderland teammates navigate their impending venture into the Europa League.
| Competition | Reinildo appearances | Thomas Meunier appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Champions League | 25 (0 goals + assists) | 43 (3 goals + 8 assists) |
| Europa League | 6 (0 ghoals + assists) | 33 (3 goals + 3 assists) |
Although understated compared to the arrivals of Granit Xhaka or Brian Brobbey, Reinildo proved to be an extremely sensible addition for Sunderland last season, and now the Black Cats hierarchy will be hoping that Meunier can have a similarly positive impact.
As the ex-Atletico Madrid stalwart did, Meunier ticks many boxes for Sunderland, with his experience, leadership and on-field qualities set to provide a sizeable benefit for Le Bris next season.
