Sunderland are on the verge of signing Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, a long-time target for Newcastle United, for a fee in the region of £26m. The 20-year-old France Under-21s international, who can play left-back, wingback, or in central defence, has attracted widespread interest this summer but now appears set to join Sunderland under manager Régis Le Bris.
Methalie's Profile and Newcastle's Decision
Methalie made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season, showcasing his versatility and potential. Newcastle had extensively scouted the 6ft 2in defender and reportedly attempted to sign him in January, but the club has now indicated they opted against recruiting him this summer and have not submitted a bid. Despite fitting Newcastle's new transfer policy of targeting young players in the £20m-£40m range, the Magpies backed away.
Sunderland's Offer and French Connection
Sunderland can offer Methalie Europa League football, and he is understood to have verbally agreed a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light. He will be coached by compatriot Le Bris and join a sizeable French-speaking contingent including Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele, and Habib Diarra. Methalie will be Le Bris's second summer signing after Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, who arrived on a free transfer from Lille.
Competition and Strengths
Methalie is likely to face considerable competition from Reinildo for the first-choice left-back spot, but his impressive recovery pace, robust physicality, and assured left foot have seen him excel as a left-sided central defender in both back three and back four formations.
Newcastle's Defensive Search and Other Transfers
Newcastle remain in the market for cover at left-back and right-back, with Eddie Howe particularly eager to reinforce the right side after Kieran Trippier's departure at the end of last season. Meanwhile, Howe's hopes of keeping captain Bruno Guimarães hinge on Arsenal's willingness to pay around £80m for the 28-year-old. Guimarães has been on a post-World Cup holiday in Brazil and is due to return to Newcastle on Friday before joining a training camp at La Manga.
Joe Willock's future at St James' Park also remains uncertain. Newcastle rejected a £10m offer from Besiktas for the former Arsenal midfielder but appear open to selling him for a fee closer to £20m.
