Sunderland have agreed a deal for Dayn Methal from Toulouse, bringing an end to a long-standing pursuit of the young French talent.
The club, based in Sunderland, will pay a total of £25.6m for the signing of the 20-year-old left-back, representing a significant investment in the defensive ranks.
The financial details of the agreement include an initial fee of £23.9m, with a further £1.7m to be paid in potential add-ons dependent on the player’s appearances. Following the verbal agreement, Methal is expected to undergo a medical to finalise the transfer to the English club.
Methal played 28 matches for Toulouse in the past season in the French Ligue 1, scoring two goals in his last three appearances. His move comes as Toulouse finish the season in ninth place, while Sunderland prepare for a major step in their history.
This transfer is key for Sunderland as the club prepares for its first European campaign in 53 years. The board is looking to further strengthen the defence and increase squad depth ahead of the season in the Premier League, which begins next Saturday with a match against Ipswich Town.
Thomas Meunier, the Belgian right-back who arrived as a free agent from Lille, is currently the only completed transfer for Sunderland in this window. The arrival of Methal is set to significantly address the club’s need for quality in the defensive line.
