Regis Le Bris plays dangerous game with new Eliezer Mayenda admission
Eliezer Mayenda has been on the fringes at Sunderland lately.
Mayenda scored the opening goal in Sunderland’s play-off final win over Sheffield United, but he has struggled for game time since.
Mayenda has featured just eight times in the Premier League, with one goal for the Mackems in 264 minutes of action.
That has led to speculation that he could leave the Stadium of Light when the transfer market reopens in January.
What did Le Bris say about Mayenda’s future at Sunderland?
Regis Le Bris has built a brilliant squad in the North East, but several stars have been casualties of the aggressive recruitment policy.
The likes of Brian Brobbey, Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele are shining, but it has left regulars from the promotion-winning campaign on the periphery.
Mayenda is one of those Sunderland aces who have suffered, but the Frenchman was coy when he was asked about a potential exit for the Spanish attacker.
Speaking in his pre-Leeds press conference, he said: “We’ll see. He can play as a striker, he can play as a second striker, probably on the right he’s able to play as well.
“So we’ll wait and we’ll see probably at the end of January if we need to do something.”
Le Bris admission will not give Mayenda much confidence
Even if Le Bris is being completely honest, which is a rare trait for a top-flight manager, especially when it comes to transfers, it is worrying for Mayenda.
The admission will not strike the attacker with confidence that his manager believes in his ability to cut in at the elite level.
- Mayenda has made 57 appearances for the Black Cats since signing from Sochaux in 2023
- He has scored 11 times, with five assists in those matches
- He has made just eight appearances in the top-flight
It is a dangerous game for Le Bris to play, as if he needs the forward at any point, he will be demoralised and unlikely to perform to his best ability.
Mackems fans have seen what the 20-year-old can do, and it would be a shame if he was to exit, rather than playing a part in this magical season, which seems to have shown no signs of stopping anytime soon.
However, Le Bris’ words suggest that he may make way if there is the opportunity to bring in a new attacker in the window.
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