Sunderland complete the signing of Belgium international defender Thomas Meunier after his Lille contract ends. Multiple outlets report the move is made on a free transfer, with Meunier agreeing a two-year deal with the Premier League club. The 34-year-old is described as an experienced full-back who has previously played at top clubs including PSG and Borussia Dortmund. Several sources note he has been involved with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup and has 83 caps for his country. Sunderland’s signing is framed as part of their preparations ahead of another season in the Premier League and an associated Europa League campaign. Yahoo Sports and other reports quote Meunier expressing he is “hugely excited” to begin a new chapter with Sunderland after joining as a free agent. BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports both highlight that the timing of the transfer is linked to his contract expiring at Lille, after which he becomes available to sign elsewhere without a transfer fee.