Sunderland keep Methalie deal alive after medical raises concern

Sunderland have paused their move for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie after a back issue emerged during the 20-year-old’s medical, but the proposed transfer has not been abandoned. The French defender is due to undergo further examinations before the English club decides whether to proceed.

Sunderland had reached an agreement with Toulouse over a €30 million transfer, with additional bonuses included. That deal was settled over the weekend, but the medical finding has placed the move on hold while the concern is investigated in greater detail.

Methalie has returned to Toulouse for the additional checks. The purpose of the examinations is to establish the nature and seriousness of what the French club describes as discomfort in his back. Toulouse do not believe the problem is severe enough to threaten the agreement already reached with Sunderland.

The defender had been persuaded by Sunderland’s proposal, and the terms included a five-year contract. That agreement was close to being signed before the medical issue interrupted the process. The player’s willingness to join remains part of a deal that both clubs had been working towards.

Toulouse continue to regard the €30 million offer, together with its bonuses, as active and want the arrangement to remain in place. Their assessment is that the back problem should not by itself invalidate the transfer, although the further tests are needed to provide clarity.

Sunderland are taking a more cautious position. The club wants additional medical evidence before committing to the deal, meaning the transfer remains suspended rather than completed or cancelled. The outcome now depends on the results of the checks and whether they satisfy Sunderland’s concerns.