Sunderland have agreed to sell striker Eliezer Mayenda to French side Stade Rennais in a deal worth €22 million, with a further €3 million in performance-related bonuses, according to reports.
The agreement, reported by Foot Mercato, will see the 21-year-old return to French football after both clubs reached a full agreement over the transfer.
The move brings an end to Mayenda’s spell in England, where he joined Sunderland after emerging as one of the brightest young prospects to come through the academy at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.
The Spanish youth international made history during his time at Sochaux by becoming the club’s youngest-ever professional debutant before earning a move to Sunderland.
Although regarded as a player with considerable potential, Mayenda found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter during his time in English football.
His most memorable moment came when he scored on his Premier League debut at the beginning of last season, raising hopes that he could become an important figure in Sunderland’s attack.
However, opportunities became increasingly limited as the campaign progressed.
The forward made 20 appearances in all competitions, with many of those coming as a substitute, as he struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting line-up.
Despite showing flashes of his talent, Sunderland’s growing attacking options restricted his playing time, leading both the player and the club to consider a move that would provide greater opportunities for his development.
Mayenda is now expected to continue his career at Rennes under head coach Franck Haise.
The Ligue 1 club reportedly view the striker as a long-term investment and believe he has the potential to become an important part of their attacking plans.
Rennes have been strengthening their squad as they aim to establish themselves among the leading sides in French football and compete consistently for European qualification.
The arrival of Mayenda is expected to form part of that long-term strategy, with the French club hoping the forward can fulfil the potential he showed during his early years at Sochaux.
For the player, the transfer represents an opportunity to relaunch his career in familiar surroundings and gain regular first-team football as he looks to continue his development.
Once the remaining formalities are completed, Mayenda is expected to be officially unveiled as a Rennes player ahead of the new Ligue 1 season.
