Sunderland are understood to be on the verge of signing Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, in a transfer that would represent a significant summer addition to the Black Cats' defensive ranks. Sources suggest the deal is being finalised for roughly £26 million, with the 20-year-old expected to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Versatility to strengthen Le Bris's backline
Methalie, who has been capped by France at Under-21 level, is a highly adaptable player. Primarily a left-sided defender, he can operate as a left-back or wing-back and has also been deployed centrally. Last season he featured in 27 Ligue 1 matches for Toulouse and has attracted widespread interest across the Premier League and beyond.
Manager Régis Le Bris will add Methalie to a growing French-speaking core at Sunderland, joining players such as Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Habib Diarra. The new recruit’s physical presence — listed at 6ft 2in — and recovery pace have been highlighted as attributes suiting both a back three and a conventional back four.
How the move affects Sunderland and Newcastle
The transfer also marks a shift in local transfer dynamics. Newcastle United, who monitored Methalie extensively and were linked with him earlier in the year, have reportedly decided not to pursue a bid this summer. That has cleared the path for Sunderland to press ahead and offer European football at the Stadium of Light as part of their proposal.
- Fee: around £26m (reported)
- Contract: verbal agreement to a five-year deal (reported)
- Previous season: 27 appearances for Toulouse in Ligue 1
- International: France Under-21
Methalie will not arrive into an uncompetitive environment. Reinildo remains at the club and is likely to vie with the new signing for the left-sided roles, meaning Le Bris will have genuine selection decisions to make as the season approaches, including European fixtures.
Wider transfer context
The acquisition would follow the free signing of Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, adding further depth to the full-back positions. Meanwhile, developments at Newcastle continue to draw attention: their recruitment focus remains on young players in the £20m–£40m bracket, and they are still seeking cover at left- and right-back. Questions surround key figures at St James’ Park — including the futures of Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock — but those are separate strands to Sunderland’s summer business.
For Sunderland supporters, the likely arrival of Methalie represents both an investment in youth and a statement of intent as the club prepares for its return to continental competition. Full confirmation and medical details are expected if negotiations conclude in the coming days.
