Thomas Meunier leaves Lille for Sunderland and the Europa League

Thomas Meunier has officially left Lille to join Sunderland, confirmed by the English club in a statement on Wednesday. Out of contract, the 34-year-old Belgian right-back has signed with the club managed by Régis Le Bris, seventh in last season’s Premier League, until 2028.

Meunier’s future had remained uncertain in recent weeks. Before joining the Belgian national team for the 2026 World Cup, the defender had suggested that a contract extension with Lille was not ruled out. It is ultimately across the Channel that he will settle, discovering the English league for the first time.

For Sunderland, signing a player who has played for Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Trabzonspor represents significant experience ahead of a busy season. The northern club will participate for the first time in its history in the knockout stages of the Europa League, and Meunier cited this as a decisive factor in his choice.

“When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by their ambition, their project and their desire to always move forward,” said the Belgian. “The opportunity to compete in European competitions also played a decisive role in my decision, because as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and fight to win trophies.”

This departure represents another loss for Lille, which had already seen its manager Bruno Genesio leave the club at the end of the season.