Thomas Meunier: Sunderland sign experienced Belgian defender on two-year deal
Sunderland AFC has signed 34-year-old Belgian defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year contract following his departure from Lille. Meunier brings extensive international and top-tier club experience to the squad as they prepare for European competition.
Why it matters
The signing is a major strategic move for Sunderland as they look to bolster their squad for both domestic and European campaigns.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Meunier played in three games at the 2026 World Cup
Sunderland have signed Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal following his departure from French side Lille.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league titles, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland ," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
"From the moment we started speaking, we felt he had a very positive feeling about the club.
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