Eliezer Mayenda: Sunderland's biggest mistake in years could be weeks away

Eliezer Mayenda has been linked with a summer exit from Sunderland.

With Europa League football to attend to, and the need to be competitive in the Premier League, Sunderland need depth, and plenty of it this summer.

When taking that into account, it's certainly expected that most of their summer business will be focused on incomings instead out of outgoings, though a handful of the latter remain likely.

Mayenda is one of those to have been linked with an exit from the Stadium of Light, with those departure fears only amplified by his solo appearance on the pitch after the win against Chelsea.

And while his exit wishes will be warranted, it could force the Black Cats into making one of the biggest mistakes they have made in years.

What does the future hold for Eliezer Mayenda?

The Spaniard scored in the opening day victory against West Ham, and looked set for a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.

That wasn't to be the case, with Mayenda going on to start just a handful of Premier League games, with a very limited number of substitute appearances to go alongside them.

Wilson Isidor was often preferred off the bench, while Brian Brobbey cemented his place as Sunderland's starting striker for the campaign, and rightfully so in that regard.

However, that lack of gametime cast doubt over Mayenda's future, with many expecting him to leave on loan in search of regular football, which would benefit all parties.

But even that may not be the case, with a permanent exit for the forward unable to be ruled out.

Sunderland must take caution with Mayenda exit

A loan makes sense. He gets gametime and develops further as a player, while Sunderland get the added security of an extra season to assess where he is at.

But a permanent exit would prevent the latter.

Anyone who has watched Mayenda will be well aware of the potential he has to offer, and if he were to reach that, it could see the Black Cats miss out on millions if they sell him this summer.

Time will tell what the future holds for him, but as of now, an exit of some kind is certainly looking likely.