Sunderland are set to sign Thomas Meunier as a free agent this summer following his exit from Lille.
Sunderland are set to make their first signing of the summer transfer window, in the form of free agent defender Thomas Meunier, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
Belgian international Meunier left Ligue 1 giants Lille this summer upon the expiry of his contract with the French top flight side, and now the Black Cats are set to secure his signature this summer as the 34-year-old defender joins the Stadium of Light project.
Ornstein adds that Meunier, who played 190 minutes of football for Belgium at the World Cup before their expulsion, landed into Newcastle Airport on Tuesday morning and is posed to complete his medical before completing the move in the coming days.
Meunier is an extremely experienced defender across European football, featuring 128 appearances for PSG in a fruitful four-season stint, and making making over 80 outings for Borussia Dortmund after his exit from the Parc Des Princes.
From a Sunderland perspective, the seemingly imminent signing of Meunier represents very sensible business from the Black Cats' transfer team, especially with the Europa League campaign upcoming next season.
Why Sunderland Wanted To Sign Thomas Meunier
Clearly, one of the most attractive propositions surrounding the 34-year-old defender is his vast experience at an elite level of European football, which will be a welcome boost to the youthful Sunderland ranks.
Last season, Sunderland brought former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen figurehead Granit Xhaka to the Stadium of Light project, with the Swiss captain going on to have a monumental impact for the Black Cats with his leadership and experience.
In terms of Meunier, the Sunderland hierarchy will be hoping he can provide a similar impact on his teammates, with the three-time Ligue 1 title winner well versed in the rigours of elite European football.
From a squad depth perspective, defender Meunier offers versatility and an option in multiple defensive roles for Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, which will be a helpful benefit next season with the increased fixture congestion as a result of Europa League football.
Meunier is capable as a central defender and in midfield, but his trademark position is at right-back, where he has played 380 games during his 17-year senior career, scoring 30 goals and notching 48 assists.
At Sunderland, the signing of Meunier would allow Nordi Mukiele to continue at centre-back rather than right-back, with the Frenchman impressing most for Sunderland in the heart of defence last season.
Therefore, providing cover and competition for Trai Hume at right-back, and enabling the Northern Ireland international to play on the opposite side of defence when needed in the event of an injury to Reinildo Mandava.
Sunderland are poised to complete an extremely sensible transfer with the Belgian veteran, whose experience at the highest level and defensive accumen will be a significant boost to the Black Cats, made even more impressive with no transfer fee involved.
