Sunderland are close to signing Toulouse youngster Dayan Metali

Sunderland have made a major breakthrough in the summer transfer market and are now extremely close to signing 20-year-old French U21 international defender Dayann Methalie from Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

It is understood that the transfer is worth approximately £26 million, and Metali has reached a verbal agreement with Sunderland's management for a five-year long-term contract and is about to make his official debut at the Stadium of Light.

As a versatile defender, the 1.88-meter-tall Metalli not only possesses excellent physical attributes and strong physical strength, but also has impressive recovery speed and solid left-foot technique.

Metalli is not only capable of playing as a left-back and left wing-back, but he is also equally adept at playing as a left center-back in three- or four-back formations. He performed admirably for Toulouse last season, making 27 appearances in Ligue 1, and his excellent performance attracted close attention from several European clubs this summer.

It's worth noting that Newcastle United had been tracking and scouting Metaly for a long time, considering him an ideal transfer target, but ultimately chose not to submit a formal offer this summer. Sunderland seized the opportunity and acted decisively, successfully securing victory in this battle.

For Metali, joining Sunderland means the opportunity to play in the Europa League. Furthermore, the strong French influence at the Stadium of Light is a major factor in his appeal. He will not only receive guidance from his compatriot manager, Regis Lebrs, but also seamlessly integrate with several French-speaking teammates, including Mukiele, Lefebvre, and Diarra.

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