By Sunday 
Lille Shuts the Door
Well, that didn’t last long. Sunderland’s interest in Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has been brought to a halt after Lille decided they’re not letting him go this summer.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the 33-year-old was widely expected to leave France during the window and even caught Sunderland’s eye. For a brief moment, it looked like the Black Cats might just add another experienced name to their French-focused recruitment drive. But Lille’s board had other ideas.
A Change of Heart
The curious part? Nobody really knows why. Lille seemed fine with Meunier moving on at first, but now they’ve made it “known that they wish to keep the right-back.” No explanation, no reasoning—just a sudden reversal.
Meunier, who joined Lille on a free transfer last summer, still has a year left on his contract. That leaves the French side with a choice: extend his deal or let him walk for nothing next year. For now, though, they’re keeping him firmly off the market.
Sunderland Left Empty-Handed
For Sunderland, it’s back to the drawing board. The club has been working hard to tap into the French market to strengthen Regis Le Bris’ squad, but Meunier is now one name officially off the list.
It’s a frustrating twist for a side that’s been quietly putting together some smart moves this summer. Still, in football, not every transfer chase has a happy ending—sometimes the door just slams shut.