Eliezer Mayenda future in doubt as Sunderland weigh options amid exit talk | OneFootball

Eliezer Mayenda’s Sunderland future is under scrutiny after fresh exit talk and an agent’s social media hint from the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland Echo understands the exit talk mirrors the player’s stance to an extent, though the situation could shift, and nothing is guaranteed. His preference, for now, is to find regular football elsewhere.

The 21-year-old wants to lead the line. Sunderland’s attacking brief under Régis Le Bris has shifted, with Brian Brobbey’s emergence underlining a preference for power through the middle.

There is no rupture with the club. Mayenda is said to love Sunderland, appreciates Le Bris and the fans, and sees timing, profile and opportunity as the issue.

He played a key part in promotion, rejected approaches in January and last summer, then signed a long-term deal. This season brought Europa League qualification but fewer minutes, which has frustrated him.

More European fixtures next term have not significantly changed his thinking. He wants sustained starts to bolster his Spain ambitions, having won 10 under-21 caps.

Any move must suit Sunderland. A sale would be expected to deliver profit on a 2023 signing from Sochaux, while any loan would require a significant fee and favourable terms.

As things stand, he appears minded to seek a new challenge. With the window ahead, it remains one to watch, and he does not want it to overshadow a landmark season.

Source: Sunderland Echo