Sunderland complete first summer signing as Belgium World Cup star Thomas Meunier joins on free transfer

SUNDERLAND have made Belgian World Cup star Thomas Meunier their first summer signing.

The 34-year-old, a free agent following the expiration of his Lille deal, has penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

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Right-back Meunier, who touched down in the North East on Tuesday before passing a medical, said: “I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland.

“I’m very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it’s a challenge I’ve wanted to experience.”

Meunier appeared three times for Belgium at the World Cup before their quarter final elimination to Spain.

The ace, capped 83 times by his country, was also part of the squad that reached the 2018 semi-final.

Meunier’s arrival is another coup for boss Regis Le Bris following last season’s success.

And he will bolster the defensive ranks as Sunderland prepare for their Europa League adventure following their seventh-place finish in the Premier League after promotion.

Meunier, who will link up with the Sunderland squad in early August, added: “When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward.

“Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies.”

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“I hope I can bring my experience to the squad, both on and off the pitch.

“I’ve been fortunate to play in some fantastic teams throughout my career, and now I’m looking forward to giving everything for this club, helping my team-mates and building a strong connection with the supporters.

“I can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and play my first match in front of the fans.”

Meunier started out at Virton before getting his big break at Club Brugge, where he lifted both the Belgian Pro League and the Belgian Cup during a five year period.

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The veteran, who won the first of his 83 international caps in 2013, moved on to Paris Saint-Germain and won three Ligue 1 titles prior to a four-year spell with German giants Borussia Dortmund.

After a season in Turkey with Trabzonspor, Meunier returned to Ligue 1 with Lille in 2024 and has been a regular since.

Sunderland director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, added: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland AFC – from the moment we started speaking, we felt he had a very positive feeling about the club.

“Throughout his career he has consistently performed at the highest level, representing some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Belgium on the international stage.

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“He brings a wealth of experience, leadership and professionalism, alongside real quality in both defensive and attacking phases of the game.

“Thomas is a player who understands what it takes to compete for success, and we’re confident his mentality and character will have a positive influence on the squad.

“We believe he’ll make an important contribution on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to see him begin this new chapter with us. It feels like a great fit.”

The Meunier signing also comes days after influential captain Granit Xhaka committed his future to Sunderland.

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New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who managed the Swiss star at Leverkusen, wanted a reunion at Stamford Bridge.

But after an £8m offer was rejected by the North East club, the 33-year-old midfielder has publicly declared his desire to stay on Wearside.

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