Dayann Methalie absence from Toulouse squad sparks Sunderland transfer theories amid £25.7m chase
Dayann Methalie’s absence from Toulouse’s latest friendly has added intrigue to Sunderland’s ongoing pursuit of the £25.7m-rated defender
Dayann Methalie has missed Toulouse’s latest pre-season fixture with what has been described as a “minor injury” amid continued Sunderland interest in the highly-rated defender.
The 20-year-old’s absence will inevitably fuel theories among Black Cats supporters that progress could be being made over a move to Wearside, although there is currently no suggestion that Methalie has been withdrawn for transfer reasons. Sunderland’s interest is significant. RMC Sport previously reported that Methalie had agreed personal terms over a five-year contract, while L’Équipe stated that Toulouse rejected an opening offer of around €20million (£17.1million).
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Journalist Sacha Tavolieri subsequently reported that Methalie has chosen Sunderland as his preferred destination and that the Black Cats’ improved proposal is worth more than €25million (£21.4million) including add-ons. Toulouse have been holding out for around €30million, equivalent to approximately £25.7million.
Toulouse president Olivier Cloarec has publicly maintained that there is no agreement with Sunderland, although he acknowledged that Methalie is attracting considerable interest and admitted there comes a price at which refusing to sell would represent poor management. Methalie enjoyed an excellent breakthrough 2025-26 campaign, making 30 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice. He is primarily a left-back but can also operate as a wing-back or on the left side of central defence.
His latest absence therefore adds another little subplot to an increasingly intriguing transfer saga. For now, though, the official explanation remains straightforward: a minor injury. Whether you buy that or not is, of course, another matter entirely.