Thomas Meunier has launched a fierce criticism of the modern transfer market after Ayyoub Bouaddi sealed a blockbuster €100 million transfer to Manchester City. The experienced Sunderland defender believes huge transfer fees no longer represent a player's actual quality, insisting clubs could just as easily spend £200 million on a "donkey".

City complete Bouaddi deal for €100m

Manchester City have recently completed the signing of teenage star Bouaddi from Lille for a staggering €100m. The 18-year-old midfielder had established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in France, leading Enzo Maresca's side to make a major financial outlay to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.

The enormous fee has attracted strong criticism from Bouaddi's former team-mate Meunier. The veteran Belgian defender, who shared a dressing room with the youngster at Lille during the past two seasons, feels transfer valuations have become entirely detached from reality. While he recognises the teenager's outstanding talent, Meunier believes the current financial environment has completely lost any sense of balance.

Meunier criticises senseless market logic

Speaking in a detailed interview, Meunier made his views on the financial excesses of the modern game very clear. The Sunderland full-back was quick to praise his former colleague, but he refused to endorse the huge transfer fee attached to the move.

“He’s just transferred for £100m,” Meunier said when asked about Bouaddi's valuation. “Ayyoub is unbelievable. But, I mean, we don’t need to speak about money, because there is no logic anymore.”

He then gave a brutal verdict on the way elite clubs now do business. “You can buy a donkey for £200m and a very good player for £20m,” he added. “There is no sense anymore.”

A delayed dream of English football

While Bouaddi gets ready for life in Manchester, Meunier is enjoying his own recent switch to English football. A move to Sunderland from Lille had initially collapsed a year ago because of an injury issue, but the defender eventually completed the transfer and is now thriving. “It’s English football, exactly what I watched when I was younger,” he explained. “Full stadium, nice vibe, very good level, lots of intensity, everything you’re looking for. I like this organised mess, if I can call it that.”

The former Borussia Dortmund player admitted that his only regret is not getting the chance to experience English football earlier. “When I think about it, I’m a bit sad not to have signed for an English club earlier. But I did it, finally,” he added.

“And I am really happy to have signed for Sunderland in particular, because they represent everything I like - everything I love, even - in football. This popular passion. This city, a walkable city, like where I come from. To be honest, I find a bit of myself in Sunderland.”

High-profile reunions await Sunderland

Meunier is facing a demanding run of fixtures as Sunderland work through a difficult schedule. After recently coming up against Arsenal and preparing to face AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, the defender will meet Bouaddi again when Sunderland take on Manchester City next Sunday.

That major encounter will also see Meunier come up against his former Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland once more. As the Belgian pointed out bluntly, the prolific Norway striker needs no introduction, meaning Sunderland will be up against a formidable challenge against familiar opponents at the weekend.