Sunderland Edge Out Newcastle for Defender Dayann Methalie
Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, edging ahead of long‑time admirers Newcastle United in a deal worth about £26m.
The France Under-21 international, a left-sided defender comfortable at full-back, wing-back or in the centre, has been tracked by a string of clubs this summer. Régis Le Bris has moved quickest. The Sunderland head coach is now on the brink of landing one of the most coveted young defenders in Ligue 1.
Newcastle had done the groundwork. Scouts watched Methalie extensively last season as he made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse and the club explored a move in January. He looked tailor-made for their recruitment model: 20 years old, high ceiling, and firmly in that £20m-£40m bracket the club have targeted.
This time, though, they have stepped away. Newcastle have indicated they decided against pursuing the transfer and have not lodged a bid in this window, leaving Sunderland to move into pole position.
Sunderland’s French connection
What Sunderland can offer is clear: Europa League football, a prominent role in a growing project and a dressing room that will feel instantly familiar.
Methalie, who stands 6ft 2in, is understood to have verbally agreed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light. If the deal is completed, he will walk into a squad with a strong French-speaking core, joining Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Habib Diarra under compatriot Le Bris.
He would be the club’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer after his departure from Lille. Where Meunier brings experience and know-how, Methalie offers energy and versatility.
That versatility is key. While he will compete directly with Reinildo for the left-back berth, his profile gives Le Bris options. Methalie’s blend of recovery pace, physical strength and a composed left foot has seen him excel as a left-sided centre-back, both in a back three and a back four. Sunderland would not just be signing a full-back; they would be adding a structural piece to their defensive unit.
Newcastle’s reshaping continues
Across the Tyne, Newcastle’s defensive rebuild remains unfinished. Eddie Howe is still in the market for cover on both flanks, with right-back a particular concern after Kieran Trippier’s departure at the end of last season.
The loss of Trippier, a leader as much as a defender, has sharpened the need for reinforcements on that side. Methalie, despite being primarily left-sided, had been viewed as the type of flexible, high-upside signing Newcastle want to make. Their decision to step back underlines the fine balance they must strike between squad needs and financial realities.
Attention also lingers on Bruno Guimarães. Howe’s hopes of keeping his captain may yet hinge on Arsenal. The London club would need to commit to a fee in the region of £80m to prise the 28-year-old away. For now, Guimarães remains on holiday in Brazil following the World Cup and is due back at Newcastle on Friday before heading with the squad to a training camp in La Manga.
His return will answer at least one question: is this a player preparing for another season in black and white, or a final pre-season under Howe before a record sale?
Willock in the shop window
Joe Willock’s situation is less clear but no less significant. Newcastle have already turned down an offer of around £10m from Besiktas for the former Arsenal midfielder. That rejection was firm, but not final.
The club appear open to a sale if the price climbs closer to £20m. For a player who has shown flashes of real influence at St James’ Park but struggled with consistency and injuries, this summer could prove decisive. Stay and fight for a central role in Howe’s plans, or move on in search of a reset and guaranteed minutes.
As Sunderland close on Methalie and Newcastle juggle exits, gaps and ambitions, the rivalry between the two clubs takes on a quieter, off-pitch edge. One looks to Europe with a new French core. The other wrestles with the cost of staying among the Premier League’s elite.
The next move, on Tyneside at least, will have to be decisive.
