Sunderland completed a deal for experienced defender Thomas Meunier earlier this week.

Phil Bardsley has praised Sunderland for the signing of Belgian international Thomas Meunier, suggesting that the deal bodes well for the rest of the Black Cats’ recruitment strategy this summer.

The 34-year-old full-back arrives on Wearside as a free agent having previously represented the likes of Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and LOSC Lille, amongst others. And despite already having Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele as viable right-back options, Bardsley is of the opinion that his former club have made the right choice by bringing Meunier in as they prepare to navigate a fixture schedule bolstered by Europa League qualification.

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BetGoodwin, he said: “Well Trai Hume played a bit higher in the games I saw him last year, and he did a very good job playing a bit higher on the right, or tucked in in a diamond. Mukiele had a really solid season. But you’re competing now on four fronts, obviously, so squad depth is so important.

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“Bringing him [Meunier] in - huge experience of playing in Europe, playing for some outstanding teams - I think can only benefit the team. The younger players, like with Granit [Xhaka], can learn from him. For me, I said it last year about Sunderland, the recruitment was key. I think they got it right. I felt the blend of players they got in was really good, and I’m sure they’ll do that again. It goes to show that they’re in the market for some high quality players to try and kick on again.”

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