Sunderland are reportedly set to make an offer for highly-rated Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie in the summer transfer window.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Sunderland are reportedly plotting a move for highly-rated Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie in the coming days, according to reporter Pete O'Rourke on X.
This week, the Black Cats' transfer team have already added to the defensive ranks of Regis Le Bris' squad, with former PSG and Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier joining Sunderland as a free agent following his summer exit from Lille.
Now, the Stadium of Light recruitment chiefs are said to be plotting another addition in defence, with 20-year-old full-back Methalie said to be on Sunderland's radar.
Last season, the French youth international featured 30 times for Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse in all competitions, scoring twice and notching two assists in his first full senior season after graduating from the club's academy.
Methalie has a transfer market value of around the £15m mark, according to Transfermarkt, and therefore would constitute a significant outlay of funds from the Stadium of Light hierarchy if they bring the left-sided defender to Sunderland in this summer transfer window.
However, the promising young talent could prove to be worth every penny when analysing why Sunderland are keen on his services.
Why Sunderland Want To Sign Toulouse Defender Dayann Methalie
From a Sunderland perspective, it is clear to see why the Black Cats are reportedly interested in signing Methalie from Toulouse this summer.
In terms of what the youngster would bring to Sunderland, the highly-rated talent would bring direct cover and competition for Reinildo Mandava at left-back, which is a necessity for Le Bris' squad depth ahead of next season following the summer exit of Dennis Cirkin.
Given his impressive performances in the French top flight over the last year, Methalie appears to have a higher technical ceiling than Cirkin, and therefore would be an upgrade to the left-back ranks with the view to becoming Reinildo's long-term successor for Le Bris.
Regarding his profile, the most attractive attribute of Methalie is his attacking output, with the Toulouse academy product using his raw physical attributes and technical qualities well to impact in the final third.
| Player name | Games | Goals + Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Dayann Methalie (in 25/26) | 30 | 2/2 |
Interestingly, Methalie featured as a left wing-back in a back-five system for Toulouse throughout last season, which showcases that his signing would offer Sunderland boss tactical flexibility with his defensive formation in the Premier League and Europa League next season.
However, one concern with Methalie is his disciplinary record, given that the youngster was yellow-carded nine times in just 28 Ligue 1 appearances last term, averaging almost one booking every three games.
Despite this worry, his qualities and potential for long-term development would understandably excite Sunderland, and he would be another astute addition to Le Bris' defensive ranks alongside Meunier if the Black Cats do materialise a move for Methalie.
