Eliezer Mayenda is set to leave Sunderland to join Portuguese champions Porto.
It was a risky move for Porto to test Sunderland’s mood fresh from their disgust at Chelsea’s Granit Xhaka offer, but they seem to have caught the Black Cats in a better mood.
Whether Mayenda’s likely exit means the beginning of some incomings at the Stadium of Light remains to be seen, but Sunderland have certainly got plenty to offer this summer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
The latest update comes from Matteo Moretto, who has become known through his work alongside famous transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on the latter’s YouTube channel. His report has claimed that Mayenda’s move to Porto is now “close” and it’s unlikely that report would be so strong without having credible truth to it. |
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Finances |
As things stand, it’s unclear just how much Porto are paying for Mayenda. The Sunderland attacker has four years left on his current deal, so it’s easy to assume that the Portuguese club will have to at least reach his valuation or more this summer. |
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Insight |
The 21-year-old striker lost his starting place to Brian Brobbey last season, but that should not deter clubs. As a backup, he has plenty of value at Sunderland. The issue for them, however, is that he wants a starting role. |
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Impact |
Mayenda is yet to reach the peak of his powers at such a young age, yet is still one to watch. Having scored 10 goals in the Championship when Sunderland were promoted in the 2024/25 campaign, his potential is clear for all to see. |
After two years at the Stadium of Light, it looks like Mayenda’s time at Sunderland could be coming to an end.
Mayenda “on the verge” of joining Porto
As reported by Matteo Moretto, Porto are now “on the verge” of signing Mayenda from Sunderland. Negotiations are close to being finalised and the forward looks destined for Portugal.
It’s a blow for the Black Cats, but it’s also a deal that they’re clearly willing to sanction, given how strong they went against Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka when they had a contrasting stance.
As for Mayenda, it’s a major opportunity to make his mark outside English football in a move which should result in far more opportunities.
Sunderland must replace Mayenda ASAP
On paper, it may look like Sunderland are simply losing a third-choice forward, but the addition of European football means that every player has a role to play.
After losing Mayenda, Regis Le Bris must welcome a replacement to hand Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey further competition. Just who that may be remains the big question.
Of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a like-for-like player, either. Sunderland have been linked with a stunning move for Jonathan David, for example, whose arrival would transform the pecking order on Wearside.
To say it would be an upgrade to go from Mayenda to a player of David’s calibre would be a major understatement. Simply put, it would be sensational business from Sunderland.
