Sunderland reach agreement to sign Dayann Methalie from Toulouse

Sunderland have reached an agreement with Toulouse for the transfer of Dayann Methalie, with the highly rated French defender now moving towards the final stages of a switch to the Premier League.

Sacha Tavolieri reports that the two clubs finalised an agreement worth €28 million plus a further €2 million in potential add-ons, with Methalie expected to undergo a medical before completing the move.

The agreement represents a significant breakthrough after a prolonged pursuit by Sunderland. Toulouse had resisted previous approaches for the 20-year-old, but the latest proposal has now been accepted, while personal terms are also reported to be in place.

Methalie is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light if the remaining formalities are completed.

A Toulouse academy product, Methalie established himself in the club’s first team during the 2025/26 campaign and is capable of operating at left-back, wing-back or on the left side of central defence. His versatility has made him one of the more highly regarded young defenders to emerge from Ligue 1 over the past year.

The move would give Sunderland another young defensive option as Régis Le Bris continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Methalie would also add competition on the left side of the defence while providing tactical flexibility across different structures.

Sunderland have not yet formally announced the transfer, meaning the deal remains subject to the medical and completion of the final paperwork. Methalie also continues to be listed as a Toulouse player by the French club.

Barring a late complication, however, the agreement between the clubs leaves Sunderland close to completing one of their most significant additions of the summer.