Sunderland have completed the signing of highly rated left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse.
The 20-year-old is reported to have cost the Wearsiders an initial £24million with a further £1.7m due in add-ons should certain targets be met. He has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
News of the deal came as a surprise on Friday with Methalie having been on Wearside last week only to return to France to undergo further testing on a back issue.
“I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to pull on a Sunderland shirt for the first time,” the France Under-21 international told the club’s official website.
“This is a brilliant time to join the club. I followed Sunderland’s progress last season and it was incredible to see the team finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.
“When I heard about the opportunity to come here, it was an easy decision. I’m really excited to play in the Premier League and Europa League and to experience that with the Sunderland fans.
“I know how ambitious the club is, and I want to help the team continue to progress and give the supporters plenty to be proud of.”
Sunderland chief delighted to have captured Methalie
Sunderland have been relatively quiet in the transfer window this summer and Methalie is just the second new signing, following on from experienced Belgium international Thomas Meunier.
Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: “We are delighted to welcome Dayann to Sunderland AFC.
“He is a player we have appreciated and followed for a long time, and we believe his qualities are very well suited to Sunderland, both in terms of our footballing identity and the personality we want within the group.
“Despite his young age, Dayann has already shown a lot of quality and potential, and his performances over the past year have naturally attracted interest from several clubs. Throughout the process, however, he showed a very strong feeling and desire to join Sunderland, which was important to us.
“He is still at an important stage of his development, so our responsibility now is to help him settle quickly, provide the best possible environment around him and allow him to continue progressing and expressing his qualities.”
Methalie won’t be considered for Sunderland’s Premier League opener at Ipswich on Saturday but could be in line to make his debut next weekend against Fulham.
