Eliezer Mayenda bids emotional farewell as Stade Rennais move nears | OneFootball

Eliezer Mayenda has bid an emotional farewell to Sunderland supporters as his move to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais nears. He underwent a medical in France on Saturday after the clubs agreed a deal in the region of £22 million, with neither yet confirming the transfer. The move is viewed as a formality.

In an Instagram message, the 21-year-old thanked supporters for their backing from the first day and said Sunderland would always stay with him. He signed off by embracing the nickname Your Big Man.

The striker arrived from Sochaux but a hamstring injury in his first training session delayed his debut. He joined Hibernian on loan in January and featured little, then, under Régis Le Bris the following summer, he seized his chance.

Mayenda became central to promotion to the Premier League, scoring in the first leg of the play-off semi-final at Coventry City. He also struck at Wembley to draw his side level against Sheffield United.

Although game time proved scarce this season, he scored the club's first goal of the campaign in a 3-0 win over West Ham United on the opening day at the Stadium of Light.

He also thanked chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, team-mates and staff in his message. Confirmation of his move is expected in the coming days. Mayenda departs with 12 goals from 73 competitive appearances.

Source: Sunderland Echo