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Sunderland’s big-money £25.7 million move for Dayann Methalie is close to falling through after the player failed his medical.

Sunderland’s expected transfer for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie is now on the verge of collapsing altogether. The young full-back has unfortunately not cleared his medical tests ahead of his proposed move to the Stadium of Light, and has been forced to head back to France. This unexpected setback comes as a major blow for the Black Cats just before the start of the new season.

A major transfer setback

According to talkSPORT, Methalie’s highly anticipated switch to Sunderland is now in serious doubt after the defender did not pass his medical checks. Toulouse had earlier granted the player permission to travel to the North East to complete the formalities of the transfer.

However, after the initial examinations raised concerns, further medical testing has now become necessary. As a result, Methalie has left England and returned to France while both clubs assess the situation before taking a final call. Sunderland had previously agreed a package worth an initial £24 million, with a further £1.7m in possible add-ons, but that sizeable £25.7m outlay is now completely on hold until there is more medical clarity.

Disruption to defensive recruitment plans

Sunderland have been working actively to strengthen their squad ahead of a demanding season that also includes Europa League football. Methalie had been widely expected to become their second major signing of the summer under Regis Le Bris, after the free transfer arrival of Thomas Meunier.

The Black Cats are eager to bring in a dependable left-back before their Premier League campaign begins on Saturday with an away match against Ipswich Town. This sudden medical issue has badly affected those defensive recruitment plans. If Sunderland miss out on Methalie, they will have to move quickly to consider other options in the transfer market, as they need sufficient depth to cope effectively with both domestic and European commitments.

Earlier injury concerns around Methalie

The Toulouse academy graduate missed his team’s recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Hamburg on Saturday because of this pending transfer. During the previous season, Methalie made 30 appearances in all competitions for Toulouse, playing a major role in their ninth-place finish in Ligue 1.

However, the defender missed six matches through injury last season, including a significant spell out in January because of a knee problem suffered at the start of the year. That earlier knee issue could be connected to the current complications, which may explain why Sunderland are being extremely cautious before committing to such a substantial financial package.

Awaiting the final medical verdict

Methalie is set to undergo further detailed medical examinations in France over the next few days to establish the exact nature and extent of any underlying problem. Sunderland must now decide quickly whether to renegotiate the terms, postpone the transfer, or pull out of the deal entirely.

Meanwhile, Toulouse are getting ready for their season opener at home against Lyon this weekend, and Methalie could still be involved if the move breaks down permanently.