Sunderland have completed the signing of highly rated left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse. The 20-year-old is reported to have cost the Wearsiders an initial �24million with a further �1.7m due in add-ons should certain targets be met. He has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.News of the deal came as a surprise on Friday with Methalie having been on Wearside last week only to return to France to undergo further testing on a back issue.Im really excited to be here and cant wait to pull on a Sunderland shirt for the first time, the France Under-21 international told the clubs official website.This is a brilliant time to join the club. I followed Sunderlands progress last season and it was incredible to see the team finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.When I heard about the opportunity to come here, it was an easy decision. Im really excited to play in the Premier League and Europa League and to experience that with the Sunderland fans.I know how ambitious the club is, and I want to help the team continue to progress and give the supporters plenty to be proud of.Sunderland chief delighted to have captured MethalieSunderland have been relatively quiet in the transfer window this summer and Methalie is just the second new signing, following on from experienced Belgium international Thomas Meunier.Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: We are delighted to welcome Dayann to Sunderland AFC.He is a player we have appreciated and followed for a long time, and we believe his qualities are very well suited to Sunderland, both in terms of our footballing identity and the personality we want within the group.Despite his young age, Dayann has already shown a lot of quality and potential, and his performances over the past year have naturally attracted interest from several clubs. Throughout the process, however, he showed a very strong feeling and desire to join Sunderland, which was important to us.He is still at an important stage of his development, so our responsibility now is to help him settle quickly, provide the best possible environment around him and allow him to continue progressing and expressing his qualities.Methalie wont be considered for Sunderlands Premier League opener at Ipswich on Saturday but could be in line to make his debut next weekend against Fulham. Topics Sunderland Toulouse FC Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read PSG vs Aston Villa live: Super Cup 2026 teams and lineups Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Sunderland v Chelsea: Line-ups, stats and previews as Black Cats and Blues battle for Europe Nicholas McGee 24th May, 2026 PSG 3-1 Toulouse: Report, result, goals as Dembele scores twice for Ligue 1 leaders Ben Miller 3rd April, 2026 PSG vs Toulouse live: Confirmed teams and full lineups in Ligue 1 Ben Miller 3rd April, 2026 European review: Lens extend Ligue 1 lead while AC Milan leapfrog rivals Inter into Serie A top spot George Nash 2nd January, 2026 Sunderland v Manchester City Line-ups, stats and preview Mitch Fretton 1st January, 2026
