Where Eliezer Mayenda ranks in Sunderland's biggest sales after joining Ligue 1 club Rennes
Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda joined Ligue 1 club Rennes earlier this week.
Eliezer Mayenda bid an emotional farewell to Sunderland earlier this week when he completed a move to French clubs Rennes that ranks amongst the biggest sales in the Black Cats’ long and proud history.
The Spain Under-21 striker joined Sunderland in a cut-price deal from Sochaux during the summer of 2023 and earned some senior game-time with a loan stint at Scottish Premiership club Hibernian. However, Mayenda went on to become a key part of the Black Cats squad that claimed promotion into the Premier League during the 2024/25 season and scored their equaliser in the play-off final win against Sheffield United.
The arrival of Brian Brobbey limited his appearances throughout Sunderland’s return to the top flight as Mayenda made just eight starts in the league last season - although he did find the net in a 3-0 win against West Ham United on the opening day of the campaign. He will now look to make an impact with Rennes after completing a move across the Channel - and could even come face-to-face with his old club in the Europa League.
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In an emotional statement released via his Instagram account, Mayenda said: "It's time for me to say goodbye.... and it isn't easy. 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 experience that magical day at Wembley with all of you, when we helped bring Sunderland back where it belongs: the Premier League.
"I would like to thank Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join this incredible club. I will always be grateful. Thank you to my team mates, the staff and everyone who works so hard every day to make this club what it is. 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. You have to experience Sunderland to truly understand what "Sunderland 'Til I Die" really means. As I leave this club, one thing is certain: Sunderland will always be a part of me. Thank you for everything. HA'WAY THE LADS. Eliezer Mayenda. Your Big Man."
Mayenda has gone down as the third most expensive sale in Sunderland’s history - but which two deals sit above him in the top ten?
Sunderland’s top ten most expensive player sales
10. Connor Whickham (£9m to Crystal Palace) 9. Patrick Van Aanholt (£9m to Crystal Palace - could increase to £14m with add-ons) 8. Simon Mignolet (£9m to Liverpool) 7. Tommy Watson (£10m to Brighton and Hove Albion) 6. Jack Clarke (£15m to Ipswich Town - could increase to £20m with add-ons) 5. Darren Bent (£18m to Aston Villa - could increase to £24m with add-ons) 4. Jordan Henderson (£20m to Liverpool) 3. Eliezer Mayenda (£21.5m to Rennes) 2. Jordan Pickford (£25m to Everton - could rise to £30m with add-ons) 1. Jobe Bellingham (£28m to Borussia Dortmund - could rise to £33m with add-ons).
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