Sunderland are on the verge of completing their second summer signing of the window, with highly-rated Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie set to join the Black Cats in a deal worth €34 million.
The 20-year-old France Under-21 international has emerged as a priority target for Régis Le Bris and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi as the club looks to strengthen the defensive options ahead of a demanding campaign that includes Premier League and European football.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that talks between Sunderland and Toulouse have reached an advanced stage. Personal terms with the player are understood to have been agreed, and the remaining discussions centre on the final structure of the transfer fee and payment schedule.
One source familiar with the situation said: “Sunderland have been persistent and serious in their approach. The player is keen on the move and sees it as a big step in his career. Both clubs are working to finalise the details.”
Methalie has impressed in Ligue 1 with his physical presence, composure on the ball and ability to contribute in the attacking third. Standing at 6ft 1in, he is viewed as a modern full-back capable of operating in a back four or providing cover in a more fluid defensive system under Le Bris.
A club source added: “He fits the profile the manager wants. Athletic, progressive, and still with plenty of room to develop. This is the type of signing that shows ambition while remaining realistic about long-term value.”
The move would represent a significant statement from Sunderland following the free transfer arrival of experienced right-back Thomas Meunier earlier in the window. Meunier’s arrival provided depth and know-how on one flank, and securing Methalie would give the Black Cats a strong option on the opposite side.
Toulouse are understood to have held out for a higher valuation in the early stages of talks, but Sunderland’s willingness to meet a fee in the region of €34 million has brought the sides closer. The figure would mark one of the more substantial outlays of the summer for the Wearside club and would rank among the biggest sales in Toulouse’s recent history.
Methalie’s representatives are said to be positive about the project at the Stadium of Light. One intermediary involved in the discussions commented: “The player likes what he has heard about the style of play and the opportunity for regular football. He is ready for the Premier League challenge.”
Sunderland’s recruitment strategy this summer has been more measured than the extensive overhaul of the previous window. With European competition on the horizon, the focus has been on adding quality and depth in specific areas rather than wholesale change. A left-sided defender has been identified as a clear priority, and Methalie has risen to the top of the shortlist after consistent monitoring.
Le Bris has previously spoken about the need for balance and athleticism in his squad. While he has not commented publicly on individual targets, the manager’s preference for versatile, high-energy players is well known. Methalie’s ability to recover ground quickly and contribute in transition aligns with those requirements.
Fans on Wearside have reacted with growing excitement as reports of progress have intensified. Many see the potential arrival as further evidence that the club is determined to compete on multiple fronts rather than simply consolidate after last season’s solid campaign.
If the deal is completed in the coming days, Methalie would become the second permanent senior addition of the summer and would be expected to link up with the squad in time for the final stages of pre-season preparations.
Further medical assessments and the formal completion of paperwork remain the final hurdles. Both clubs are understood to be optimistic that those steps can be concluded smoothly.
One insider summed up the mood: “Everything is moving in the right direction. There is a clear desire on both sides to get this done. It feels close.”
The successful capture of Methalie would give Sunderland a youthful, high-upside option at left-back and strengthen the squad’s ability to cope with the increased fixture load. For a club balancing Premier League demands with European football, the addition of a player of his profile would be viewed as a significant boost.
As negotiations enter the final phase, attention on Wearside will remain fixed on whether the Black Cats can convert their interest into a confirmed signing. Should the deal go through at the reported valuation, it would rank as one of the more ambitious pieces of business of the current window and underline Sunderland’s determination to keep progressing under Le Bris and Ghisolfi.
