Eliezer Mayenda has completed a permanent transfer to Stade Rennais from Sunderland. The 21-year-old Spain youth international has signed a five-year contract with the French club in a deal worth €20m, with no additional bonuses attached to the agreement.
The move marks a return to French football for the attacker, who originally developed through the youth ranks at FC Sochaux before joining the Black Cats three years ago. During his time in England, Mayenda accumulated 72 appearances and scored 12 goals across all competitions, largely operating as a rotation option during Sunderland’s Championship campaign.
His final season with the club proved frustrating, however. Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, the young Spaniard struggled for game time throughout the campaign. He managed just two goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, a significant drop in output that prompted his departure.
Rennes have moved decisively to secure his signature as they prepare for a demanding season. The Brittany side will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season and have already been active in the transfer market. Mayenda represents their fourth signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Adrien Thomasson, Goncalo Oliveira and Issa Soumaré at Roazhon Park.
The 21-year-old faces an immediate challenge to break into the starting eleven. At Roazhon Park, he will have to work hard to secure a regular berth, competing directly with Esteban Lepaul, who finished last season as the top scorer in Ligue 1. With European football guaranteeing a packed schedule, opportunities should arise for the new arrival, though he must demonstrate his quality quickly to avoid a repeat of his Premier League frustrations.
The €20m investment underlines Rennes’ ambition and their belief in Mayenda’s potential to make an impact in French football. Having started his professional journey in the country’s east with Sochaux, the forward now has the opportunity to reignite his career in Brittany and establish himself as a key figure in their domestic and European pursuits.