West Ham United could reportedly spring a surprise move to land Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda for Potter in the coming weeks, according to reports - with the Hammers in need of new recruits to turn last season's poor Premier League season around.
The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League, their joint-worst finish since the 2019/20 campaign - and with a real lack of goals filtering through their side, the Irons must target a striker this summer. That could see them move for young talent, and Sunderland star Mayenda could be on their radar after a superb breakthrough season in the north-east.
Report: West Ham 'Interested' in Sunderland Star Mayenda
The Hammers need strikers to come in and fix their attacking issues
Graham Potter
The report by The Guardian states that money is tight at the London Stadium, amid PSR concerns over years of 'costly and ill-advised' deals.
Eliezer Mayenda's Championship statistics - Sunderland squad ranking
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Little can be done before sales, and so boss Graham Potter will have to be creative as he looks to alter an ageing squad. With the club needing more legs and youth in attack, it's thought that they have an interest in Sunderland star Mayenda after his superb end to the campaign in the Championship, one which sealed promotion for the Black Cats.
The Spanish-born starlet had a superb start to the campaign with four goal contributions in his first four games, but found game time hard to come by throughout the winter months - and it was only on New Year's Day that he grabbed his third goal of the campaign.
But a solid end to the season saw him score five goals from late February onwards in the regular season. Alongside a late winner at Coventry City in the play-off semi-final first leg, and the all-important equaliser against Sheffield United in the win at Wembley, Mayenda also scored a superb solo run against Bristol City - where Sunderland's official account labelled him as 'outrageous'.
Blessed with lightning pace, Mayenda was recently called up to Spain's under-21 side in March's international break, and West Ham could look to take advantage of that youthfulness and physicality with a move. Mohammed Kudus has been linked with a move away, and Mayenda could replace him on the flanks due to his blistering pace. The Hammers have also released Danny Ings, Brighton star Evan Ferguson has departed after a shambolic loan spell and Michail Antonio has only just begun training again after his car crash in December - leaving Potter with limited options up front.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 10-06-25.
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