Sunderland have completed the signing of experienced Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a free transfer. The 34-year-old right-back, who has 83 caps for his country, has agreed a two-year contract and becomes the first summer arrival at the Stadium of Light as the club prepares for a second consecutive Premier League season and a Europa League campaign.
Meunier was a free agent after leaving Lille and joins Sunderland fresh from representing Belgium at the World Cup. His career includes high-profile spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, during which he amassed 43 Champions League appearances and 33 Europa League outings. At 6ft 3in, the full-back combines physical presence with an attacking threat down the right flank.
"I'm hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," Meunier said. "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. I hope I can bring my experience to the squad, both on and off the pitch."
Meunier's arrival provides strong competition for Trai Hume and could enable manager Régis Le Bris to redeploy Nordi Mukiele at centre-back. With Sunderland balancing domestic and European commitments, the Belgian's experience is seen as a valuable asset.
