Sunderland ‘to play down’ Eliezer Mayenda exit talk amid Paris FC links | OneFootball

Sunderland have moved to play down claims that Eliezer Mayenda could leave this month, amid reports in France of talks with Paris FC.

Social media posts suggested the Ligue 1 club were negotiating for the 20-year-old, but, according to The i paper, club sources have dampened talk of anything imminent. Despite limited minutes this season, there is no indication Sunderland are actively pushing him towards the exit.

Mayenda has made 14 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal, largely featuring as a rotation option since the club’s return to the Premier League.

Born in Zaragoza, he moved to France as a teenager via CS Brétigny before joining Sochaux. He made his senior debut at 16 in the Coupe de France against Nantes, becoming the youngest player to represent Sochaux in a competitive fixture.

He signed his first professional contract in February 2022, again setting a club record. Sunderland secured his transfer in July 2023 for just over €1 million, with Sochaux retaining a 25 per cent sell-on clause, and he later spent time on loan at Hibernian.

Mayenda scored his first Sunderland goals in a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in August 2024, then netted the equaliser in the 2025 Championship play-off final at Wembley. He later scored on his Premier League debut in the opening-day victory over West Ham United.

With competition for places intensifying, any decision on his future is expected to be taken with a long-term view rather than short-term form.

Source: Sunderland Echo