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Sunderland have approached this summer with a different challenge from 12 months ago.
After investing heavily following promotion last year, Regis Le Bris is now looking to fine-tune a squad preparing for the demands of Premier League football and European competition.
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The departures of Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Eliezer Mayenda, Lutsharel Geertruida and Bertrand Traore have left gaps to fill, while the club have also explored defensive reinforcements and additional depth rather than another wholesale rebuild.
Strengthening key positions without sacrificing their finances has become the priority as Sunderland prepare for a campaign with far more fixtures on the calendar.
That approach appears to have produced a major coup.
Sunderland beat Valencia to Thomas Meunier signing
Transfer specialist Matteo Moretto reports that Sunderland have beaten Valencia in the race to seal the 'lightning signing' of experienced Belgium international Thomas Meunier.
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Belgium defender Thomas Meunier.
The defender is expected to join the Black Cats as a free agent after receiving a more attractive contract offer than the one on the table in Spain, with David Ornstein also reporting that the deal is close to completion pending a successful medical.
Moretto states the Premier League side's superior contract offer persuaded Meunier to head to England, leaving Valencia searching for alternatives after believing they were close to completing the transfer.
For Sunderland, the appeal extends well beyond reputation.
Why Thomas Meunier is a coup for Sunderland
Meunier arrives after spells with Club Brugge, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Lille, bringing more than a decade of experience at the highest level.
He has won league titles in multiple countries, played regularly in the Champions League and remained an important member of Belgium's national team, even featuring during this summer's World Cup.
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That level of pedigree is rarely available without a transfer fee.
His versatility also gives Le Bris greater flexibility.
Although naturally a right-back, Meunier has spent much of his career operating as an attacking wing-back and has occasionally featured in more advanced roles.
Sunderland's schedule will become significantly busier with European football returning to Wearside, meaning experienced squad players capable of filling multiple positions are likely to prove invaluable over the course of the season.
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Valencia had appeared to be leading the chase only days ago, but Sunderland acted decisively.
It is another sign that Sunderland's growing status has strengthened their position in the market when competing for proven international players.
If the move is completed as expected, Sunderland will not simply be adding another defender.
They will be bringing in a player accustomed to competing for trophies and handling the pressure of elite football.
For a squad preparing to juggle domestic and European commitments, that experience could prove every bit as valuable as his performances on the pitch.
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