Sunderland have finally made their next move in the transfer market after agreeing a £25.6m deal with Toulouse for highly-rated left-back Dayann Methalie.
The 20-year-old French defender is expected to undergo a medical after Sunderland reached a verbal agreement with the Ligue 1 club. The initial fee is understood to be £23.9m, with another £1.7m available through potential add-ons.
It is a major step forward for Regis Le Bris, who has been looking to strengthen his squad ahead of a huge campaign that will see Sunderland compete in Europe for the first time in 53 years.
Sunderland finally land their target
Methalie had emerged as one of Sunderland’s main targets this summer, but negotiations with Toulouse had taken time.
The two clubs had struggled to find common ground over the finances of the deal, with Sunderland pushing to reach an agreement for the young defender. That situation has now changed, with Toulouse accepting the Black Cats’ latest proposal.
The deal represents a significant investment in a player who only turned 20, but Sunderland clearly believe Methalie can develop into an important part of their squad.
He made 28 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season and ended the campaign in impressive fashion. The defender scored twice across his final three matches as Toulouse finished ninth in the French top flight.
The Black Cats are preparing for another Premier League season after finishing seventh last term, while their Europa fixtures will add to the number of extra matches.
Dayann Methalie set for Sunderland medical
Sunderland are now expected to put Methalie through his medical before the move can be completed.
The agreement will see the Black Cats pay £23.9m initially, with a further £1.7m potentially due in add-ons. The total package could therefore reach £25.6m.
Sunderland have scheduled the player’s travel and medical ahead of his arrival on Wearside.
If everything goes according to plan, Methalie will become Sunderland’s second arrival of the summer.
Thomas Meunier remains the only completed signing so far, with the Belgium international joining on a free transfer from Lille.
That has made Sunderland’s slow start to the transfer window a talking point among supporters, particularly with European football on the horizon. Le Bris has previously stressed the importance of being precise with recruitment rather than simply adding players for the sake of it.
The French defender has already gained experience in one of Europe’s major leagues and now has the opportunity to take the next step in England.
For Sunderland, the agreement is also a clear indication that the club are prepared to spend heavily when they believe the right player is available.
After days of uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, Methalie is now on the verge of becoming a Sunderland player.
