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.
Thomas Meunier has become Sunderland’s first summer signing Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The defender has penned a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light Credit: Getty
Right-back , who touched down in the North East on Tuesday before passing a medical. He 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 at the 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 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.
“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.
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.
The Meunier signing also comes days after influential captain .
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.
Regis Le Bris led Sunderland to the Europa League last term Credit: Reuters
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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