Thomas Meunier: Proof that Regis Le Bris' next signing kept tabs on Sunderland since 2019
Thomas Meunier appears set to join Sunderland as a free agent, but the deal may not be as surprising as it first seems.
The 34-year-old full-back is currently without a club after his contract with Lille expired at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, having made 81 appearances.
Meunier has incredible knowledge and experience, also featuring for Club Brugge, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor, and the Belgian national team.
While obviously a rock-solid defender, also capable of filling in at centre-half, he is no stranger to a penalty, scoring 10 in 83 on the international stage.
Now, Sky Sports have revealed that his switch to the Stadium of Light could be completed within the next 24 hours, adding a huge figure to the Black Cats' dressing room.
A story that has come completely out of the blue, supporters have been left surprised, but the player does have an unusual history with the club.
Thomas Meunier's previous history with Sunderland uncovered
During his time at PSG, Meunier actually posted online about Sunderland all the way back in 2019, when the now-Premier League team were still in League One.
During the 2018-19 campaign, the Black Cats faced Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy Final on 31 March, with the game being decided by a penalty shootout.
Sadly for Sunderland, Pompey claimed the trophy in disappointing circumstances, as Lee Cattermole missed the only penalty at Wembley Stadium.
And while Meunier wasn't in attendance at the game, he took to what was then Twitter, writing: "Does someone have a streaming link for Portsmouth-Sunderland? Thanks."
It is safe to say that the replies were rather unhelpful, and it remains to be seen how much of the game the defender actually watched, but he was clearly interested all those years ago.
What will Meunier bring to the Sunderland squad?
At 34 years of age, many are wondering exactly why the Black Cats are bringing Meunier to the Stadium of Light ahead of next season.
Other than his wages, he is a relatively low-risk addition for a club that secured Europa League football, and it is his experience that's worth it's weight in gold.
The right-back won three Ligue 1 titles at PSG, two Coupe de France trophies, and the DFB Pokal while with Borussia Dortmund.
More than just another figure on the pitch, the younger players will be able to rely on Meunier for knowledge, and he'll also add some much-needed leadership in the dressing room.