Jobe Bellingham and Rangers star react to Eliezer Mayenda's emotional Sunderland farewell
Jobe Bellingham has described Eliezer Mayenda as a "hero" after his Sunderland exit was agreed.
The 21-year-old is understood to be leaving Wearside to sign for French Ligue 1 side Rennes, in a deal that is worth north of £20million.
He played 20 times in the Premier League for Sunderland last season, and netted twice from 756 minutes of total top-flight action.
Signed for around £1m from Sochaux in the summer of 2023, Mayenda was integral to the Black Cats' Premier League promotion, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists from 40 Championship outings.
However, with the books needing to be balanced after a big summer of spending and another one forecasted this time around, his sale will help the Mackems comply with the Premier League's new SCR rules.
So, as supporters await official confirmation of Mayenda's big-money exit, the player himself has already made it known that his future has been decided.
What has Eliezer Mayenda said on his Sunderland transfer?
In the modern world of football transfer news, it's become routine for deals to be reported as being done before the clubs involved confirm it.
Even so, to see a player announce his transfer switch before any official line from his club is rare, but that's what's happened with Mayenda and Sunderland.
Taking to his Instagram page on Saturday evening, the Spaniard has confirmed that he is leaving the Stadium of Light in a lengthy and moving message to his fans.
"It’s time for me to say goodbye… and it isn’t easy," Mayenda wrote.
"Three years ago, I arrived at Sunderland as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories and emotions that I will carry with me forever.
"I had the privilege of wearing this shirt, sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates and experiencing that magical day at Wembley with all of you, when we helped bring Sunderland back where it belongs: the Premier League.
"And finally…To you, the supporters. From day one, you believed in me. Season after season, you stood by me. I arrived here as Eliezer. I leave as your “Big Man.” I’ll carry that name with me forever.
"Thank you for everything. HA’WAY THE LADS. Eliezer Mayenda. Your Big Man."
Current and ex-Sunderland stars react to Mayenda's post
A much-loved figure on Wearside, Mayenda's move will hit supporters and his teammates hard alike.
The young forward has been a fantastic character on and off the pitch during his time with the Black Cats, and is evidently someone that many of his current and former comrades have loved sharing a dressing room with.
Now-Dortmund midfielder Bellingham responded to Mayenda's post by saying: "Hero, good luck hermano."
Chris Mepham commented: "Good luck my boy. All the best", whilst Dennis Cirkin, Nectarios Triantis, Matt Young, Patrick Roberts, Sam Greenwood and Dan Neil all liked the post respectively.
Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama also liked Mayenda's post, whilst a host of current Sunderland stars also made their feelings known.
Wilson Isidor responded with: "Big big big man legend of that club", and Chris Rigg also said: "Gonna miss you big man."
Black Cats chairman Louis-Dreyfus simply left a love heart emoji in the comments, as Granit Xhaka said: "All the best bro."
Mayenda has simply left more than just memories behind.