Thomas Meunier signs two‑year deal with Sunderland after rejecting Valencia

Belgian international right‑back Thomas Meunier, 34, has completed a free‑transfer move to Premier League club Sunderland. After his contract with Lille expired, the player agreed to a two‑season contract and will undergo a medical examination before the deal is finalised. Sunderland, which secured seventh place last season and qualified for the Europa League, presented a longer contract and the prospect of European competition, which Meunier cited as key factors.

Meunier turned down a verbal offer from Valencia, which had proposed a one‑year deal with an optional extension. He also rejected interest from Belgian clubs Anderlecht and Antwerp, choosing to remain at the highest level of competition. Reports of a pending Valencia signing were later superseded by the Sunderland agreement.