Sunderland’s proposed move for Dayann Methalie has been thrown into serious doubt after the Toulouse defender reportedly failed his medical ahead of his transfer to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats had reached an agreement with Toulouse for the 20-year-old, with the overall package understood to be worth around £25.7 million.
Methalie had travelled to England after receiving permission from his club to complete the move, but the medical has now raised concerns.
According to reports, Sunderland’s doctors discovered an issue with the defender’s back during the examination. Methalie has since returned to France, with further tests now expected to determine the seriousness of the problem.
It leaves Sunderland facing an unwanted complication just days before their Premier League campaign begins.
Sunderland must now decide on Dayann Methalie deal
The Black Cats had been working towards making Methalie their second major signing of the summer after Thomas Meunier arrived on a free transfer.
The initial agreement with Toulouse was worth around £24 million, with another £1.7m potentially payable in add-ons.
Sunderland had fought off competition to get the deal to this stage, with Methalie viewed as an important addition to Regis Le Bris’ squad.
The timing of the medical issue makes the situation even more significant.
Sunderland are looking to add depth before the new Premier League season, while the club will also compete in the Europa League after finishing seventh on their return to the top flight last season.
Left-back is an area where Sunderland need another option, making the potential loss of Methalie a major problem.
The Toulouse academy graduate made 30 appearances across all competitions last season, including 27 Ligue 1 outings as his club finished ninth.
However, injuries did affect his campaign. Methalie missed six matches, including a spell in January after suffering a knee problem earlier in the year. However, the latest medical concern is reportedly unrelated, with a back issue now being investigated.
Methalie set for further tests in France
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has reported that the issue discovered during Sunderland’s medical has put the transfer in danger.
Methalie has returned to Toulouse, where he is expected to undergo further examinations over the coming days.
Further tests should give both clubs a clearer understanding of the situation and determine whether the proposed transfer can still go ahead.
Sunderland will then have to decide how they want to proceed with the deal.
Sunderland options will depend on how the further tests come out. The Black Cats may renegotiate a new deal or leave this one entirely if the situation doesn’t change.
For now, the move is in massive doubt.
Methalie had been expected to arrive on Wearside and strengthen Le Bris’ options at left-back ahead of a season that will bring both Premier League and European football.
Instead, his medical failure has caused concerns on the move.
Sunderland play Ipswich Town as they start their new campaign of the Premier League.
