Le Bris ‘faces almighty double blow’ as West Ham eye Sunderland pair
Sunderland are braced for a busy summer transfer window as they battle to keep their better players.
Regis Le Bris’ side already look to have lost young star Jobe Bellingham, who is set for a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Now the Mackems could be set for more departures, with West Ham swarming for two players who were key to the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham could move for Rigg and Mayenda
Chris Rigg and Eliezer Mayenda have been the subject of Premier League interest since helping Sunderland to promotion in May.
The pair were two bright sparks in the Mackems’ young squad last season, and Sunderland have been trying to tie them down to new contracts.
However, with other Premier League clubs lurking, the duo could be discouraged from signing on the dotted line.
West Ham are one of those said to be interested in Rigg and Mayenda, according to The Guardian (9 June).
The Hammers have scouted Rigg and are also interested in Mayenda, the report claims.
Unlike Sunderland, Graham Potter must revamp an ageing West Ham squad.
Potter’s side need more legs and youth in midfield, and have looked at multiple players with Championship experience.
Rigg, 17, scored four goals and assisted one in 45 games for the Mackems last season.
| Mayenda Sunderland stats | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/24 season | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 season | 41 | 10 | 5 |
The youngster impressed with Bellingham and Dan Neil but could be tempted to leave alongside his midfield compatriots.
Mayenda scored Sunderland’s crucial equaliser in the play-off final, which turned the tide of the game.
The Spain Under-21 international signed for the Mackems for less than £1million in 2023 from French side Sochaux.
Mayenda struggled to nail down a place in the squad during his first season but has shone under Le Bris.
Sunderland are keen to extend Mayenda’s stay at the Stadium of Light but face a battle to convince the striker.
Sunderland can’t afford to keep selling their best assets
With Bellingham’s exit looking certain, Sunderland can’t afford to let too many members of their squad leave.
Youngsters such as Rigg and Mayenda were crucial to the Mackems promotion last season, and the Black Cats can’t afford to strip away the spine of the team.
Sunderland must instead build on their young side and ensure they balance youth and experience.