Sunderland have moved into pole position to sign Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, following Newcastle's decision to withdraw from their extended pursuit of the defender, The Guardian has reported. The 20-year-old France Under-21 international has been a long-time target for Newcastle but negotiations appear to have stalled, clearing the path for Sunderland to advance their own discussions with the Ligue 1 club.
Methalie is a versatile defender who can operate as a left-back, wingback or centre-back, attributes that have made him an attractive prospect across European football. His involvement with France's Under-21 setup indicates recognition at international level, and he accumulated 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse in the most recent season, establishing him as a regular in French top-flight football.
Newcastle had extensively tracked Methalie and reportedly attempted to sign him during the January transfer window, making him a priority within their recruitment framework. However, the club have now indicated they are not pursuing the defender further this summer and have lodged no formal bid. This shift removes the primary competitive obstacle that had previously characterised the pursuit and substantially improves Sunderland's negotiating position.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris appears positioned to add Methalie as a significant defensive recruit this summer. The timing is advantageous for the Black Cats, as Methalie's release from Newcastle's interest opens space for Sunderland to finalise terms with Toulouse without competing against a well-resourced rival. Sunderland's qualification for European football may also enhance their appeal to a young prospect seeking developmental opportunities.
Negotiations between Sunderland and Toulouse over fee and contract terms remain ongoing, and The Guardian's reporting indicates an advanced stage in discussions without confirming a formal agreement has been reached. The supplied evidence reports a fee estimate, which Almost Signed treats as reported rather than as officially confirmed final terms. Completion, medical examination and official announcement have not yet been reported.
The removal of Newcastle from the equation materially alters the transfer landscape for Methalie, as Sunderland no longer face competition from a club with greater financial resources and established Premier League status. Whether this advantage translates into a completed deal will depend on Sunderland's willingness to meet Toulouse's valuation and Methalie's acceptance of personal terms. The next significant marker would be announcement of a formal agreement between the two clubs or disclosure of financial details underpinning the transaction.
Why it matters
Newcastle's withdrawal from their long-standing pursuit of Methalie has positioned Sunderland as the front-runner to acquire the young French defender. This represents a significant shift in competitive dynamics and improves Sunderland's leverage in negotiations with Toulouse, though a deal remains incomplete pending agreement on fee and terms.
What remains unconfirmed
- The transfer fee or deal structure
- Whether a formal agreement has been reached between Sunderland and Toulouse
- The specific reasons for Newcastle's withdrawal beyond their stated change in strategy
- Whether Methalie has agreed personal terms with Sunderland
- Whether a medical examination has been completed