Eliezer Mayenda issues emotional farewell to Sunderland fans as Marc Guiu breaks silence on his potential return to Sunderland
Eliezer Mayenda has bid an emotional farewell to Sunderland supporters ahead of his expected switch to French side Stade Rennais, closing the chapter on a memorable spell at the Stadium of Light.
The 21-year-old striker is currently in France completing the final stages of his medical after Sunderland and Rennes agreed a deal believed to be worth around £22 million. While neither club has officially announced the transfer, all indications suggest the move is now only awaiting formal confirmation.
Mayenda leaves Wearside having experienced both frustration and unforgettable highs during his three-year stay. Signed from French club Sochaux as one of Sunderland’s brightest young prospects, his progress was initially halted by a hamstring injury suffered during his very first training session with the club.
A loan spell at Hibernian followed in early 2024, but opportunities proved limited in Scotland. His fortunes changed dramatically after Régis Le Bris took charge, with the Spanish-born forward emerging as one of Sunderland’s key attacking figures during their successful promotion campaign.
His biggest moments came on the grandest stage. Mayenda found the net in Sunderland’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Coventry City before delivering another crucial goal at Wembley, helping inspire the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League.
Although first-team opportunities became less frequent last season, the striker still produced memorable contributions. He scored Sunderland’s opening goal of the campaign as they stunned West Ham United with a commanding 3-0 victory on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Before departing, Mayenda shared an emotional message with supporters on Instagram, reflecting on the journey that transformed him from an ambitious youngster into a fan favourite.
He admitted saying goodbye was one of the toughest moments of his career, describing Sunderland as a club that would forever hold a special place in his heart. The forward thanked chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus for giving him the opportunity to join the Black Cats, while also expressing gratitude to his teammates, coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes.
His most heartfelt tribute, however, was reserved for the supporters.
Mayenda thanked the Sunderland faithful for believing in him from the moment he arrived and for standing by him throughout every stage of his development. He said he arrived simply as “Eliezer” but leaves proudly carrying the nickname “Big Man” given to him by the fans a title he says he will cherish forever.
He also reflected on experiencing the famous “Sunderland ’Til I Die” spirit firsthand, insisting that only those who have lived it can truly understand what the club means to its supporters.
The move to Rennes will see Mayenda end his Sunderland career with 12 goals in 73 competitive appearances, leaving behind memories that will undoubtedly endure among the Black Cats faithful.
Who could replace Mayenda?
With Mayenda heading for Ligue 1, Sunderland are already being linked with several forwards as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Another player linked in recent weeks is Promise David, the prolific Union Saint-Gilloise striker whose physical presence and goalscoring record have attracted interest from clubs across Europe. Sunderland are also believed to be monitoring additional options across the French and Belgian leagues as sporting director Kristjaan Speakman searches for a long-term successor.
Whether Sunderland opt for an experienced Premier League forward or another emerging talent with high resale value, replacing Mayenda’s energy, pace and connection with supporters will be no easy task as the Black Cats prepare for life without one of their recent promotion heroes.
