Sunderland Hub
Sunderland have sealed the exit of winger Eliezer Mayenda, sending him to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais on a €25 million deal that runs until 2031. The 22‑year‑old leaves the Black Cats with a year left on his contract and a handful of appearances that hinted at his potential.
What are the details of the transfer?
The agreement was announced on 6 July 2026, with Rennes paying a fixed fee of €25 million to Sunderland. Mayenda signed a five‑year contract, meaning he will be tied to the French club until 2031. No add‑on clauses were disclosed. Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, confirmed the club will reinvest the fee into the squad, aiming to close the gap on league leaders.
How does the move affect Sunderland’s season?
Sunderland sit 7th in the Premier League table with 54 points from 38 matches (14 wins, 12 draws, 12 losses) and a recent run of four straight victories. Their goal tally stands at 42 scored and 48 conceded, a –6 difference. The club is 41 points behind leaders Coventry, but the recent form – a 4‑game winning streak capped by a 2‑1 win over Chelsea on 24 May 2026 – suggests momentum is on their side. The table below summarises the current campaign:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| League standing | 7th (54 pts) |
| Recent form | WWWWD |
| Goals scored | 42 |
| Goals conceded | 48 |
| Goal difference | –6 |
Why did Sunderland let Mayenda go?
Mayenda struggled to cement a regular starting spot, featuring in 18 league games and contributing three assists. Speakman noted that the club needed to free up wages and generate funds for new signings. The €25 million fee provides a solid financial base for reinforcements, especially as Sunderland push for a top‑six finish and a possible cup run.
What are the next steps for Sunderland?
With the transfer window still open, Sunderland are expected to target a creative midfielder and a backup striker. Manager Tony Mowbray hinted at a “busy few weeks” in the press conference on 7 July, emphasizing the need to maintain the winning rhythm. Fans will be watching closely as the club balances squad depth with the ambition to close the gap on Coventry.
And the Black Cats will hope the cash influx helps them stay in the hunt for a European spot, while Mayenda looks to make his mark in France.
