Mayenda to ’cause trouble’ as Sunderland eye four additions – Exclusive
Sunderland are set for a huge summer overhaul after securing Premier League football next season.
Regis Le Bris‘ side sealed their return to the top-flight after an eight-year absence in the play-off final against Sheffield United (24 May) at Wembley.
However, that was the easy part, and they face a tough task to stay in the division as the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is at an all-time high.
Mayenda set for trouble as Sunderland signings mooted
The Stadium of Light outfit face a tough task to stay amongst the elite after securing a return to where they belong.
Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that Eliezer Mayenda will shine in the top-flight but feels the Black Cats need significant signings.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “I quite like the left-back; Trai Hume is also quite good and the guy who got the first goal in the play-off final, Mayenda.
“I think he could trouble Premier League defences, he has got a change of gear and a trick, I think he could step up.
“If you look around the squad, there is very little Premier League experience and they have got to rectify that.
“They have got to get in three or four guys who can come in and give them that bit of Premier League nous, otherwise it is going to be tough.
“No matter how committed and motivated they are, they are going to find it hard week in, week out, playing the level of opposition that you are playing and getting enough points to stay up.”
Sunderland need big signings to stay in Premier League
If Mayenda can step up as Darke has predicted, it will be a huge help to the Mackems’ ambitions of staying in the division.
The Spanish striker notched eight goals and five assists last season and that would be a welcome return next season, if he can replicate it.
| Stats (Championship) | Mayenda |
| Matches | 37 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Minutes played | 2,149 |
Le Bris’ side have been left reeling after the loss of Jobe Bellingham but if they can use the funds that they generated from that sale to lure experienced players in, it will be a win-win for all parties.
One such player that they could target is Jordan Henderson, who started his career at the North East outfit and went on to win the title and the Champions League with Liverpool.
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