Thomas Meunier reveals failed Sunderland transfer plan and Premier League regret

Thomas Meunier says a planned Sunderland switch collapsed before his eventual free transfer, and regrets not moving to English football sooner. “When I think about it, I’m a bit sad not to have signed for an English club earlier. But I did it, finally. And I am really happy to have signed for Sunderland in particular,” he told The Athletic.

The Belgian international joined on a free in July on a two-year deal after Lille’s injury crisis scuppered Sunderland’s initial plan 12 months earlier, keeping him in France until the move was revived after the World Cup.

The transfer added England to a career spanning Club Brugge, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and Lille. Arsenal were credited with interest during Unai Emery’s time at the Emirates, but asked if there had been contact, Meunier said: “No, never.”

Assessing the game here, he said: “It’s English football, exactly what I watched when I was younger. Full stadium, nice vibe, very good level, lots of intensity, everything you’re looking for. I like this organised mess, if I can call it that.”

He has moved his family close to the Stadium of Light and explored Roker Beach and Penshaw Monument. Born in Sainte-Ode in eastern Belgium, he sees echoes of home in Wearside. “This popular passion. This city, a walkable city, like where I come from. To be honest, I find a bit of myself in Sunderland.”

Meunier arrived with 83 caps, domestic honours in Belgium, France and Germany, and 43 Champions League plus 33 Europa League appearances. His signing handed Régis Le Bris a seasoned option on the right as Sunderland prepared to balance Premier League and Europa League commitments.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”