Eliezer Mayenda ‘wanted by Euro powerhouses’ as Sunderland exit worry emerges
Sunderland may have their resolve tested this summer when it comes to retaining the services of Eliezer Mayenda.
With Premier League football now secured, everyone behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light will have turned their attention to the summer transfer window.
Sunderland are going to need to recruit very, very well if they are to stand a chance of avoiding the drop, though retaining the services of those already on Wearside will be just as crucial.
Jobe Bellingham’s departure seems somewhat inevitable, and the Black Cats will not want to lose any of their other key players, though the latest update on Mayenda serves as a showcase that they might.
Sunderland have a gem in Mayenda
Since the turn of the year, very few players have impressed as much as Mayenda, who was been at the front of the Sunderland promotion charge.
His direct play and finishing ability proved to be the difference in many games throughout the season, and it was his goal that drew the game level at Wembley, before Tommy Watson sent his side back to the promised land of the Premier League.
| Sunderland | Games | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Mayenda | 38 | 23 | 9 | 5 |
However, his form in the Championship has attracted interest, with a report from Foot Mercato (27 May) stating that the Spaniard is being courted by “the biggest European clubs” ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report also adds that Mayenda has an “immense” amount of room remaining for development, and those on Wearside will be hoping he will remain there for their first season back in the top flight since 2017.
Regis Le Bris must be backed, not restricted
If Sunderland are to compete in the Premier League, signings are needed. However, maintaining the core of the team that got you there will be just as important.
Squad harmony can often be the difference between survival and not, and losing such key players would disrupt that massively.
These next few months are going to be busy for the Wearsiders, but also very exciting to see how they adapt to life back in the Premier League.