Sunderland sign experienced Belgium international defender Thomas Meunier

By SABC Sport
15th July 2026

Sunderland have strengthened their squad ahead of their return to European competition with the signing of experienced Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old joins as a free agent after leaving French side Lille and becomes Sunderland's first signing of the season following the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.

Meunier arrives with more than 550 senior club appearances to his name, having represented Club Brugge, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and Lille. He won three Ligue 1 titles during his spell at PSG between 2016 and 2020.

A member of Belgium's golden generation, Meunier has earned 83 caps and featured at the 2026 World Cup, where Belgium were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.

His arrival comes as Sunderland prepare for their first European campaign in 53 years after an impressive return to the Premier League. The newly promoted club finished seventh last season to qualify for the Europa League.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi believes Meunier's experience and leadership will be valuable for the club.

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

"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."

Meunier said the chance to play in the Premier League and compete in Europe was a major factor behind his decision.

"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career," he said.

"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.

"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."

Meunier will link up with the Sunderland squad in early August and hopes his experience can help the club continue their progress.

The defender is the third Belgium international to find a new club since the World Cup, following Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United and Leandro Trossard's switch to Besiktas.