Veteran Defender Joins Sunderland, Lured by Premier League and European Football

Meunier joined Sunderland as a free agent after his contract with French club Lille, where he spent the past two seasons, expired at the end of June.

“I’m thrilled to be here and to embark on a new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it’s a challenge I’ve always wanted to experience. When I spoke with the club's representatives, I was impressed by their ambition, project, and continuous drive for progress,” Meunier told the club's official website.

The Belgian previously played for Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, and Trabzonspor. His most successful period came with Paris Saint-Germain, where he won three league titles and French Cups between 2016 and 2020.

Sunderland's participation in the Europa League also played a significant role in his decision. “As a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies,” Meunier added. He has earned 83 caps for the Belgian national team and made three appearances at the ongoing World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.