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Sunderland on verge of £26m signing with medical scheduled ahead of Premier League debut It has been a largely slow summer transfer window on Wearside, with Sunderland fans growing impatient with regard to a lack of activity, but that looks to change in the coming days Dayann Methalie is set to travel to Wearside on Sunday evening, ahead of Monday's medical with Sunderland AFC. The Black Cats have reached an agreement with Toulouse for the left-back after weeks of negotiations, and will pay £25.7million for the 20-year-old's services. And if all goes to plan, fans may even see Methalie feature in Sunderland's seasonal opener against newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road come Saturday, August 22. It is understood that the Frenchman will sign a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light, landing as Regis Le Bris' second signing of the summer, albeit, the first that had been paid for. Thomas Meunier joined the club last month as a free agent after parting ways with Lille at the end of 2025/26, impressing in his unofficial debut against Lens last weekend. Methalie is a vital acquisition for the Red and White Army, considering the lack of depth at left-back headed into a campaign which will see Sunderland balance Premier League and domestic cup competitions with Europa League football. While Reinildo has excelled in pre-season, the Black Cats have very little in terms of an alternate to the 32-year-old, who cannot be expected to play every match this coming season. Official premium experiences available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Follow the Chronicle’s Sunderland AFC page for more news and analysis Dennis Cirkin left the club as a free agent this summer, bringing a five-year stint on Wearside to an end, while Leo Hjelde also made his way to KV Mechelen for an undisclosed fee. While Luke O'Nien has proven his worth at left-back historically, it appears the utility man has now settled into a new life at centre-half. And despite Trai Hume's ability to operate on the left, history has proven that his best work comes on the right-hand side. The arrival of Methalie will solve that positional conundrum, so long as both he and Reinildo can stay fit for the duration of the coming season. However, there are other areas of concern that are in need of addressing before the transfer window slams shut next month. Sunderland AFC are knocking up to 80% off kits and merch on their official store, including discounts on this season's home shirt. With Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele missing Saturday's pre-season clash with Rennes, Sunderland could opt to bring in further depth at centre-half. There are also concerns on the wing at present, given Simon Adingra's uncertain future at the Stadium of Light, as well as inconsistency last season in terms of output. While the likes of Geny Catamo and Matias Soule have been linked with a move, Romaine Mundle is currently involved in contract talks with Sunderland to extend his stay on Wearside - and could already be the answer to issues on the wings if granted an injury-free season to continue to develop as a player. Eliezer Mayenda, meanwhile, still has not been replaced following his £21.5m move to Rennes last month, with Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor remaining as the club's only senior out-and-out strikers. It will be interesting to see whether Le Bris is afforded a fresh face to challenge for a place at centre-forward ahead the opening of the Premier League next weekend.