Eliezer Mayenda has begun his medical examinations with Rennes as the Spanish Under-21 forward edges closer to a €25 million transfer from Sunderland. The 21-year-old is completing a two-stage assessment, with the first part taking place late this afternoon and the second scheduled for Saturday morning.
The Ligue 1 club have reached a comprehensive agreement with Sunderland for the striker’s signature. Once the medical procedures conclude successfully, Mayenda is expected to commit to a five-year contract with Franck Haise’s side.
Record Investment
The agreed fee places Mayenda among Rennes’ most significant acquisitions in their history. At €25 million, he becomes the club’s third most expensive signing, surpassed only by Amine Gouiri, who arrived for €28 million, and Jérémy Doku, who cost €26 million. This level of investment underlines the technical staff’s belief in the young attacker’s potential.
Return to French Football
Mayenda’s impending move marks a homecoming of sorts. The striker made his professional debut with Sochaux before securing his transfer to English football. However, his time at Sunderland proved challenging, with the forward struggling to secure regular playing time under head coach Régis Le Bris throughout the previous campaign.
The lack of consistent opportunities at the Stadium of Light prompted this return to France, where Mayenda will hope to reignite a career that showed considerable promise during his formative years at Sochaux.
Tactical Role
Rennes plan to utilise Mayenda predominantly on the right flank, addressing a specific squad need. Haise’s current options in that position have been limited to Musa Al-Tamari and Ludovic Blas, making the Spaniard’s arrival crucial for adding depth and versatility to the attacking unit.
The medical process represents the final hurdle before the transfer receives formal confirmation. Should both stages of the examination proceed without complication, the official announcement of his five-year deal is anticipated to follow immediately.