Valencia CF suffered an unexpected setback in their summer transfer window. Thomas Meunier, the Belgian right-back who Mestalla’s club had nearly sealed as a free agent, signed for Sunderland on Monday after receiving a more attractive offer from the Black Cats. The news, confirmed by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, closes a deal Valencia had considered wrapped up on June 30 after his Lille contract expired.

The English side, newly promoted to the Premier League, pipped Valencia in the final week of talks. According to Ornstein, Meunier completed a medical in Newcastle on Monday and signed a two-year contract with Sunderland. La Liga kicks off this weekend with Valencia sitting 19th, with zero goals scored and conceded so far, making the arrival of a profile with his experience even more urgent.

What happened with Meunier’s transfer?

Valencia had been working for weeks to land Meunier as a free agent to cover the loss of Thierry Rendall and the recovery of Foulquier’s injury. The Belgian, with over 100 caps for Belgium and stints at PSG, Dortmund and Lille, fit the profile Carlos Corberán sought to shore up the right flank. Rumors even suggested Belgium’s World Cup 2026 exit might fast-track his move.

Yet Sunderland crashed the talks with an offer Meunier accepted immediately. Sources close to the process said the tone of last week’s conversations between Valencia and the player’s agent left Mestalla frustrated, with the move seen as a low blow.

Andrés García emerges as the fallback option

With Meunier gone, Valencia are reviving interest in Andrés García, the Aston Villa right-back still on Corberán’s radar. While his loan to Getafe is reportedly 90% done according to sources, the club is keeping the door ajar in case a last-minute window opens. The young full-back, who earns plaudits at Mestalla, still draws fan consensus.

The Che side, which finished last season mid-table, now face a tough summer. Losing Meunier comes as the team sits on zero goals scored and zero conceded, with the domestic campaign about to kick off. Corberán will need to rethink his defensive plans before the season opener next weekend.