Sunderland completed six new signings before the summer transfer window closed, adding experience and youth to their Premier League squad. The window shut at 11pm on Tuesday 1 September after 79 days of business, with the club making five permanent deals and one loan.
Sunderland currently sit 12th in the Premier League with three points from their opening two matches, having won one and lost one. They have scored two goals and conceded two, leaving them with a zero goal difference and three points behind early leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a home fixture against second-placed Arsenal on 12 September, with forward Habib Diarra currently sidelined.
Thomas Meunier arrives from LOSC Lille as a 34-year-old right-back with a trophy-laden career. The Belgian has won 13 major honors, including a quadruple and three trebles with Paris Saint-Germain, a DFB-Pokal, and domestic titles in Belgium. He has started Sunderland's last two Premier League matches, competing for the role with Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele.
On the opposite flank, 20-year-old Dayann Methalie joins after a breakthrough season at Toulouse. He started 30 of 31 matches in the 2025/26 campaign, making 114 defensive contributions. Primarily a left-back, Methalie can also operate as a left-wing-back or further forward, providing cover for Reinildo Mandava.
Central defensive reinforcement comes via a season-long loan for Kevin Danso from Tottenham Hotspur. The Austrian centre-back won the Europa League with Spurs in 2025 and made eight Champions League appearances last season. In Premier League action, he recorded 135 clearances and 198 total defensive contributions last term, winning over 60% of his duels. He joins a crowded group competing with Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele and Luke O’Nien.
Holding midfield depth was addressed with the signing of Jules Ahoka. The 21-year-old is a graduate of the Royal Antwerp academy and made four senior appearances in the Belgian First Division A during the 2023 season. His arrival provides a specialist option in a key position.
The final piece of business was the deadline-day capture of Belgian winger Malick Fofana from Lyon. His move was a main topic of discussion as he chose Sunderland over Crystal Palace, with negotiations reaching a standstill before being completed. Fofana prefers his right foot but can play on either flank, swiftly switching sides and dribbling effectively with both feet. He has also been utilised as a number ten or a false nine, offering tactical flexibility for the attacking line.
With the new signings integrated, attention turns to the upcoming fixtures. The immediate test is a home match against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who are second in the standings. Managerial decisions will focus on whether to continue with Meunier's experience at right-back or how to incorporate the versatile Fofana into the attack. The club's business leaves them with increased competition across all departments as they seek to build on their early-season form. Sunderland host Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday 12 September 2026.
