Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda and Regis Le Bris

Eliezer Mayenda and Regis Le BrisImago

Progress made for Eliezer Mayenda to complete Sunderland exit

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Published on:

27 Jun 2026, 9:00 am

Eliezer Mayenda is inching ever closer to departing Sunderland during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish forward found himself behind both Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey in the pecking order last season.

The 21-year-old scored two goals in 20 Premier League appearances, but was never a regular starter.

With opportunities likely to still be limited to a bit-part role next season, there is a growing feeling that Mayenda will depart in the transfer window.

Sunderland will of course be playing in the Europa League next season, after an impressive seventh-place finish on their return to the Premier League.

But Mayenda could still be playing in Europe's secondary competition next term, even if he departs the Stadium of Light.

Who is leading the race for Sunderland ace Eliezer Mayenda?

Regis Le Bris will want to add some real quality to his side ahead of Sunderland's return to European football.

Mayenda has been a useful part of his squad, particularly in the Championship promotion campaign, where he scored eight league goals.

But there is a feeling that Sunderland can find an upgrade on Mayenda to compete with Brobbey and Isidor.

Mayenda, though, could be on his way to Ligue 1, with Ouest France reporting that progress is being made to join Rennes in France.

Rennes are looking for reinforcements of their own to flesh out their squad for the Europa League, and are seemingly the favourites to sign Mayenda.

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

Who have Sunderland been linked to in the transfer window?

The rumour mill has been in overdrive in the early weeks of the transfer window.

It is hardly surprising to see Sunderland being linked to so many players, given the extra numbers they will need for the Europa League next term.

Among the rumours is that Sunderland are eyeing a move for Folarin Balogun, the Monaco striker who is enjoying a strong World Cup with the United States.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is reportedly also on the the Black Cats' shortlish, after impressing north of the border in the Scottish Premiership.

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has also been suggested as a possible target, as has West Ham United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Eliezer Mayenda

Brian Brobbey

Sunderland Association Football Club

Wilson Isidor