Sunderland are closing in on the capture of left-back Dayann Methalie from French side Toulouse in a deal worth up to £25.6m, as manager Regis Le Bris continues to reinforce his squad ahead of a landmark season for the club.
The agreement, reached verbally between the two clubs, includes an initial payment of £23.9m with a further £1.7m available through performance-related add-ons. The 20-year-old is now expected to travel for a medical before the move is finalised.
Methalie enjoyed a productive campaign in Ligue 1 last season, making 28 appearances for Toulouse, who finished ninth in the French top flight. The young defender showed an eye for goal late in the season, netting twice in his final three matches before the transfer speculation intensified.
Sunderland's interest in the Frenchman has been long-standing, with the Black Cats reportedly tracking him for a considerable period before finally agreeing terms with Toulouse. His arrival would represent a significant statement of intent from the Wearside club as they prepare for a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and European commitments.
The timing of the deal is notable, coming just days before Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign away at Ipswich Town next Saturday, kicking off at 15:00 BST. Le Bris will be eager to have his new defender available as soon as possible, though the timeline for his debut remains uncertain pending the completion of the medical and formalities.
Adding to the significance of the upcoming campaign, Sunderland are preparing to compete in European competition for the first time in 53 years, underlining the scale of the club's resurgence and the importance of strengthening squad depth across all positions. The defensive reinforcement is seen as a key part of that preparation, with the club looking to ensure they have sufficient quality and cover to handle the rigours of fixtures on multiple fronts.
Methalie's arrival would mark Sunderland's second confirmed transfer business of the summer window, following the free transfer signing of Belgian right-back Thomas Meunier from Lille. Meunier's move was completed without a fee, and his experience at international and club level is expected to provide valuable leadership within the squad. The potential addition of Methalie on the opposite flank would give Le Bris balanced options at full-back as he shapes his side for the season ahead.
While the Toulouse defender is still relatively young, his consistent involvement in a Ligue 1 side and his attacking output in the closing stages of last season will have caught the attention of Sunderland's recruitment team. The fee involved, potentially rising above £25m, reflects the growing investment the club is willing to make as it aims to establish itself firmly in the Premier League and make an impression in European competition.
Sunderland's supporters will now await confirmation of the move, with the medical expected to be the final step before an official announcement. Should everything proceed as planned, Methalie could become available for selection in the early weeks of the new season, offering Le Bris another attacking outlet from defence as Sunderland embark on what promises to be one of the most significant campaigns in the club's recent history.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.