Sunderland have ended a nervy week of transfer drama by confirming Dayann Methalie as their second summer signing, closing a deal that a back issue nearly wrecked.
The Black Cats announced on Friday afternoon that the 20-year-old French left-back had joined from Toulouse on a five-year contract, having seen the move thrown into doubt earlier in the week. Sunderland's medical team flagged a back problem during Methalie's initial check-up, prompting the France Under-21 international (four caps) to fly back to the south of France for further examination while the two clubs held their breath.
Those follow-up tests came back clean, clearing the way for the transfer to be completed. It caps a deal reportedly worth in the region of £25.7million.
"Sunderland AFC has the pleasure of announcing the signing of French defender Dayann Methalie," the club said in a statement confirming the deal.
Methalie made 30 appearances for Toulouse last season, including 28 in Ligue 1, and was widely regarded as one of the division's breakout performers on the left flank.
He impressed under then-head coach Carles Martínez Novell, who has since left for Bayer Leverkusen, and his form caught the eye of Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris — himself French — and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who made the left-back a priority target.
The sale continues a productive summer for Toulouse in the transfer market, following the earlier departure of Emersonn to Ipswich Town.
Methalie will now get his first taste of Premier League and Europa League football, and joins a growing group of French speakers at the Stadium of Light.
"I'm so happy to be here and I can't wait to meet everyone, especially the staff, supporters and players," Methalie said.
"To play in the Premier League is a privilege because it's the best league in the world. It's a brilliant time to join the club.
"I followed Sunderland's progress last season and it was incredible to see the team finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League. It's my first European campaign, and I'm very happy to be a part of this team."
The left-back, who can also operate further forward, said he intends to bring both energy and end product to Le Bris' side.
"I'll aim to bring all my qualities — I'm fast and I like to attack and defend," he added. "My ambition is to play a lot here and improve as much as I can."
Methalie has yet to play in front of the Stadium of Light crowd, but says he already has a sense of what the club means to its supporters, having watched the popular documentary series Sunderland 'Til I Die before completing his move.
"I saw the connection between the supporters and the team on Sunderland 'Til I Die and it was amazing," he said. "This feeling is crazy and I will give everything on the pitch."