Methalie's medical issues have led to additional tests being required, and as a result, he has departed the North East to return to France. Sunderland had agreed the deal and had been given permission to formalise the transfer by his current club, Toulouse. However, the medical issues have put a hold on the move, leaving the Black Cats' hopes of adding a new left-back before the start of the season in doubt.
Methalie's potential collapse of his move to Sunderland comes after he was left out of the squad for his current club's latest fixture. The young defender has represented France up to Under-21 level and has scored twice in four caps for them. He has also featured 30 times for Toulouse across all competitions last season, including 27 in Ligue 1.
Sunderland will compete in the Europa League this season, their first taste of European action since 1973. They begin their campaign away to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm. The Black Cats finished seventh on their return to the top-flight after nine years away last term.
Methalie's injury record is a concern, having missed six matches through injury last term. He picked up a knee problem at the start of the year, which kept him out of the side in January. The young defender will now return to France for additional medical tests, which will determine the fate of his move to Sunderland.