Eliezer Mayenda’s Sunderland future is under scrutiny amid fresh transfer claims and growing summer interest
Eliezer Mayenda’s Sunderland future is increasingly uncertain, though the situation is understood to be one without any ill feeling between the player and the club.
Reports in France have claimed Mayenda is expected to leave Sunderland this summer, with several European clubs monitoring the forward’s situation ahead of the transfer window. The speculation has also grown following a social media post from the player’s agent, Alfonso Stellitano, who posted from the Stadium of Light with the caption “The Last Dance”.
Reports accurate - but not the full story
The Echo understands those reports are broadly accurate from the player’s point of view, but they do not tell the full story. As ever at this stage of the summer, situations can shift quickly, and nothing should be viewed as guaranteed. However, as things stand, Mayenda’s preference is understood to be to move on in search of more regular football.
The 21-year-old wants the chance to be “the man” and establish himself as a regular starting striker somewhere. Sunderland may not be able to offer that as they prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign and a return to European football, particularly with the attacking picture having changed under Régis Le Bris.
A player who loves Sunderland - but wants regular football
That is not a reflection of any issue with the club. Quite the opposite, in fact. Sources close to the situation stress Mayenda loves Sunderland, has huge respect for Régis Le Bris and remains extremely grateful for the support he has received from fans. One source described him as a “Mackem at heart” and said he is “in love with the club”. The issue is more about timing, profile and opportunity.
Mayenda played an important role in Sunderland’s promotion campaign, and his commitment to the club has not been in doubt. He turned down interest during the January window of Sunderland’s promotion season and again last summer before signing a new long-term deal with the Black Cats.
There was also significant interest last winter, when Sunderland were dealing with the disruption of AFCON, but a departure at that stage was never likely to be sanctioned for obvious reasons. Mayenda was needed, and Sunderland were in no position to weaken their attacking options midway through such an important campaign.
That context is important. His current situation is not a case of a player who has been looking for a way out at every opportunity. Quite the opposite. Mayenda has previously shown real belief in the project and affection for the club, but after a season of limited minutes, his priority is now understood to be regular football.
This season has been more difficult on a personal level. Mayenda has been delighted for the team after a historic campaign that ended with Europa League qualification, but he has also been frustrated by a lack of regular game time compared to the previous season.
In many ways, the situation is a by-product of the success of both Mayenda and Sunderland. The player feels ready to play regularly and believes he is good enough to do so. Sunderland, meanwhile, have moved on quickly as a squad, and the profile of striker required under Le Bris appears to have shifted.
Love for Le Bris and how Brobbey changed the picture
The emergence of Brian Brobbey has changed the picture, with Le Bris clearly showing a preference for strength, physicality and raw power through the middle when playing with one central striker. That has inevitably impacted players such as Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, who offer different qualities.
There is understood to be genuine affinity between head coach and player, with Mayenda extremely grateful for the faith Le Bris showed in him after his return from a difficult loan spell at Hibernian. At that stage, Mayenda was not necessarily expected to play a major role in Sunderland’s Championship promotion season. Instead, he became one of the unlikely success stories of the campaign after Le Bris identified his talent, trusted him and helped bring the best out of him. This is not a relationship that has broken down.
There is respect and appreciation on both sides, and Mayenda’s affection for the club and head coach remains clear. But none of that removes the difficulty of the situation. Mayenda wants regular minutes, Sunderland have evolved quickly, and the profile required in Le Bris’ attack has shifted. It may simply be one of those scenarios where, despite the mutual respect, a parting of ways could prove the most sensible outcome for everyone involved.
European qualification will bring more games next season, but that is not currently thought to have significantly altered Mayenda’s thinking. Regular football is the priority at this stage of his career, and he is keen to find a role where he can be trusted as a main attacking figure.
There is no ill will towards Sunderland’s management or sporting leadership, and the club would still be expected to protect their position strongly if any move develops. A permanent exit would likely bring a healthy profit on a player signed from Sochaux in 2023, while any loan move would be expected to involve a significant fee and terms that work for Sunderland.
Spain ambition and Sunderland’s transfer stance
As things stand, Mayenda’s mind appears to be set on seeking a new challenge. But with the summer window still to unfold, the situation remains one to watch closely rather than one that can be described as done, and there is also a sense that the player does not want this news to overshadow what has been a monumental season for the club.
At the centre of Mayenda’s thinking is also his international ambition with Spain. The striker has been highly valued within the Spanish youth setup in recent years, earning 10 caps for the country’s under-21s, and regular club football is viewed as essential if he is to keep pushing towards that level and beyond.
There is understood to be some regret that his lack of regular Premier League minutes at Sunderland effectively ended any outside chance of forcing his way into Spain’s senior World Cup thinking, though there is also a realism that he would have needed an outstanding season to get close. Even so, it is a mark of his ambition. Mayenda believes he is good enough to play regularly, develop quickly and keep himself in the international conversation.
Any deal would still have to work for Sunderland, of course. Mayenda is under contract, and the club would not be expected to sanction an exit unless their valuation and wider conditions were met. Sunderland would also have to factor in their own squad planning, with a replacement needing to be secured over the summer if Mayenda was to move on.
The Black Cats have deliberately avoided standing in the way of players who want to move when the right offer arrives, with Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart two obvious examples. Those deals, though, were handled under Kristjaan Speakman’s sporting leadership, and Florent Ghisolfi’s approach may or may not be a little harder. We are yet to see exactly how Sunderland’s new structure will handle situations of this type, but the principle remains clear: any exit has to be right for the player and the club.
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