Sunderland have completed the signing of Belgian international Thomas Meunier on a free transfer, with the 34-year-old defender agreeing a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light. The move, announced on Wednesday, brings a player of extensive top-flight experience to a side preparing for its first European campaign since 1973. Meunier was available without a fee after his contract at Ligue 1 side Lille came to an end.

Meunier, capped 83 times for Belgium, said he was “hugely excited and honoured” to begin a new chapter in his career. “The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it’s a challenge I’ve wanted to experience,” he stated. The full-back was part of the national team’s so-called golden generation whose final tournament together ended with a World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain. His club career has taken him from Club Brugge to Paris Saint-Germain, where he won three Ligue 1 titles, Borussia Dortmund, Trabzonspor and most recently Lille, accumulating more than 550 senior appearances.

Sunderland’s director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, described the signing as “a great fit” and highlighted the defender’s “wealth of experience, leadership and professionalism”. Ghisolfi added: “Thomas is a player who understands what it takes to compete for success, and we’re confident his mentality and character will have a positive influence on the squad.” The move marks Sunderland’s first incoming transfer of the summer, following the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.

The allure of European football proved decisive. Sunderland secured a Europa League place by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, a result that ended a 53-year absence from continental competition. For Meunier, the prospect of testing himself against the continent’s best was a key factor. “Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies,” he said.

Meunier is expected to join his new teammates in early August for pre-season training, as Sunderland begin preparations for a campaign that will see them compete on both domestic and European fronts.