Defender Dayann Methalie has joined English Premier League club Sunderland from Toulouse FC on a five-year contract for an initial fee of 28 million euros.
The 20-year-old left-footed defender moves to England in a deal that could reach 30 million euros after including two million euros in potential performance-related add-ons.
The guaranteed 28 million euro payment represents the largest fixed transfer fee in the history of Toulouse FC. Including add-ons, the total package ranks as the second-biggest sale in the French club's history, behind forward Emersonn's 32 million euro transfer to Ipswich Town, which comprised 28 million euros upfront and four million euros in bonuses.
The official announcement on Friday, August 21, concluded several days of uncertainty surrounding the transfer. Methalie was spotted at the airport with his family on Sunday evening ahead of a flight to England to undergo his medical examination.
However, the transfer was temporarily suspended after tests revealed a back issue, prompting the defender to return to France and resume training with Toulouse earlier in the week. The medical concerns were subsequently resolved, allowing the player to sign his five-year contract with Sunderland.
Transfer Saga and Deal Structure
At Sunderland, Methalie joins a squad managed by French head coach Régis Le Bris. Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League last season and qualified for the UEFA Europa League. The English club welcomed the defender on social media platform X on Friday following the completion of the transfer.
The departure ends Methalie's 12-year stint at Toulouse, having joined the club's youth academy in 2014. He established himself in the first team during the 2025-26 season, making 30 appearances in all competitions while scoring two goals and providing two assists in the French top flight.
Toulouse Rebuild Under New Management
Methalie becomes the 14th player to depart Toulouse during the current summer transfer window. Club officials expect further transfer activity before the window closes on September 1.
The squad changes coincide with the arrival of new Danish head coach Jens Berthel Askou, who is preparing Toulouse for their Ligue 1 season opener against Lyon on Saturday. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Askou said everyone at the club shared the same dream of qualifying for European competition once again.
Former Toulouse manager Élie Baup urged caution regarding expectations for the season, stating that the club needed to remain realistic about its prospects. Meanwhile, Toulouse are closing in on the signing of midfielder Thomas Jorgensen and have completed a deal for 18-year-old Swedish winger Sion Oppong, with further moves anticipated for players including Tapé, Diallo, and Odogu.
