Sunderland have reached an agreement with Toulouse for left-back Dayann Methalie, with the 20-year-old set to travel to Wearside on Sunday evening ahead of a medical on Monday. The Black Cats will pay £25.7 million for the Frenchman, who is expected to sign a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
If all goes to plan, Methalie could feature in Sunderland's season opener against newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, August 22. He would become Regis Le Bris' second signing of the summer, and the first for a fee, following Thomas Meunier's free transfer last month.
Addressing a key positional gap
The arrival of Methalie is seen as vital given the lack of depth at left-back. Reinildo has impressed in pre-season, but at 32, he cannot be expected to play every match as Sunderland balance Premier League, domestic cup, and Europa League commitments.
Dennis Cirkin left as a free agent this summer, ending a five-year stint, while Leo Hjelde moved to KV Mechelen for an undisclosed fee. Luke O'Nien has settled into a centre-half role, and Trai Hume's best work comes on the right, leaving Methalie to solve the positional conundrum, provided he and Reinildo stay fit.
Other areas of concern
With Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele missing Saturday's pre-season clash with Rennes, Sunderland may seek further centre-half depth. On the wings, Simon Adingra's future is uncertain, and Romaine Mundle is in contract talks—he could provide an answer if he stays injury-free.
Up front, Eliezer Mayenda has not been replaced since his £21.5m move to Rennes, leaving Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor as the only senior strikers. It remains to be seen if Le Bris will be given a new centre-forward before the Premier League opener.
