Sunderland Capture Belgian World Cup Veteran Thomas Meunier in Secure Two-Year Deal

Sunderland have completed the signing of Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year contract after his exit from French club Lille.

The 34-year-old brings a wealth of top-level experience, having accumulated over 550 senior club appearances. His previous clubs include Club Brugge, Paris Saint-Germain — where he claimed three league championships — Borussia Dortmund, and Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.

Internationally, Meunier has earned 83 caps for Belgium and featured for the Red Devils at the 2026 World Cup.

Meunier becomes the Black Cats’ inaugural acquisition of the campaign, arriving amid the exits of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas to Sunderland,” said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.

“From our very first conversations, it was clear he held a strongly favorable view of the club.

“Across his career, he has delivered consistently at the elite level, featuring for several of Europe’s premier clubs as well as the Belgian national team.

“He offers extensive experience, leadership, and professionalism, combined with genuine quality in both defensive and offensive phases of play.

“Thomas understands precisely what is required to contend for honors, and we are certain his mindset and character will positively impact the squad.”

Meunier, who is set to join the Sunderland squad in early August, expressed enthusiasm about representing the club domestically and in European contests — the team’s first continental campaign in 53 years.

“I am delighted to be here and to embark on this new chapter of my career,” he stated. “The Premier League ranks among the most competitive and thrilling competitions globally, and it is a challenge I have long wished to undertake.

“My discussions with the club left me impressed by its ambition, the project, and a clear drive to progress. The opportunity to compete in Europe was also pivotal in my decision, as players naturally seek to test themselves against the finest teams and challenge for silverware.

“I hope to contribute my experience to the team, both on and off the field.”

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