Sunderland must be growing in concern over Eliezer Mayenda future
Eliezer Mayenda has enjoyed a magnificent breakthrough season at Sunderland, though it could prove costly in one way.
Sunderland have found their recent success through recruiting young talent and nurturing them into Championship-level players.
Jobe Bellingham is perhaps the biggest showcase of that success, though countless other players have followed a similar trend and are now thriving in the Black Cats squad.
Mayenda certainly fits that bill, having spent last season out on loan at Hibernian before returning to Wearside in the summer and establishing himself as a first-team regular.
As impressive as that has been, it could see concerns emerge over the next few months, especially if promotion isn’t achieved.
Mayenda will have potential suitors in the summer
Throughout the season, Mayenda has provided some huge moments for the Mackems and established himself as a regular on Wearside.
His form was recently rewarded with his first call-up to the Spanish Under-21 side, though his impressive displays will have been noticed far wider than that.
| Sunderland | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Eliezer Mayenda | 30 | 7 | 5 |
The Spaniard has 12 goal contributions this season in just 19 starts, and at just 19 years old, he has years ahead of him to develop even further.
As that form continues, more teams will become aware of his talent, and if Sunderland fail to get promoted, he could be one of several players high on the list of Premier League clubs’ shopping lists.
Sunderland have excellent chance to make a Premier League return
Sunderland have a remarkably talented squad, and the position that they are in currently is better than most could have imagined at the start of the season.
However, it will mean little if the Black Cats fail to make the most of it and are unsuccessful in their promotion attempts.
The playoffs are all but sealed, and if they are to find success through them, form and momentum will be key ahead of the final eight games of the season.
It has been eight years since the Wearsiders were last in the top flight, and they will be keen on putting an end to that run.