Stade Rennais are reportedly on the verge of securing the signature of Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda. The Ligue 1 club are expected to pay approximately €25 million, including various performance-related bonuses, to acquire the 21-year-old Spain Under-21 international.
From Sochaux record-breaker to British football
Mayenda first made headlines at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, where he set a club record by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a professional match. Born in Zaragoza, the forward represents Spain at youth level, having earned nine caps and scored twice for the Under-21 side.
He moved to England in the summer of 2023, joining Sunderland from the French second tier. His adaptation period proved difficult initially. After struggling for playing time during the opening months of the 2023-24 campaign, he secured a temporary move to Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian. The loan spell ran from February until May 2024 and provided valuable senior experience in a competitive environment.
Championship impact and Premier League struggle
The 2024-25 season marked a turning point for Mayenda at the Stadium of Light. He played a central role in Sunderland’s promotion push, registering 10 goals and five assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. His contributions proved decisive as the Black Cats secured a return to the Premier League after several seasons in the Championship.
Yet the step up to English top-flight football severely limited his involvement. During the 2025-26 campaign, Mayenda managed 20 Premier League appearances, though only eight of those came as a starter. He found the net on two occasions in the competition. Despite his marginalised status in the squad, the striker remains under contract with Sunderland until 2030, giving the English club a strong negotiating position.
Return to France imminent
Rennes view Mayenda as a prospect capable of establishing himself as a first-team regular at the ambitious Ligue 1 club. The proposed transfer fee would represent a substantial return on investment for Sunderland, who signed the player from Sochaux just two years ago.
Although neither club has officially confirmed the agreement, sources indicate that negotiations are in their final stages. Should the deal proceed, it would mark Mayenda’s return to French football following brief but eventful spells in Scotland and England.