Eliezer Mayenda becomes Sunderland’s third biggest sale after Rennes transfer | OneFootball

Eliezer Mayenda has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Rennes, becoming Sunderland’s third biggest sale. The player said in a post that he was bidding an emotional goodbye to the club and its supporters.

The Spain Under-21 forward arrived from Sochaux in summer 2023 on a cut-price deal, before a loan spell with Hibernian. He later became integral to the 2024/25 promotion and scored the equaliser in the play-off final win over Sheffield United.

Back in the Premier League, the arrival of Brian Brobbey restricted his minutes and Mayenda made only eight league starts. He did score in a 3-0 home victory against West Ham United on the opening day.

He also thanked chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, team-mates and staff, and said Sunderland would always be part of him.

The fee is listed at £21.5m, behind Jobe Bellingham’s £28m to Borussia Dortmund, which could rise to £33m, and Jordan Pickford’s £25m to Everton, which could reach £30m with add-ons.

Mayenda will now aim to make an impact with Rennes and could face his former club in the Europa League.

Source: Sunderland Echo