Latest news with #EliezerMayenda
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Mayenda's new deal makes perfect sense
Eliezer Mayenda's five-year contract is a reflection of his rapid improvement over the last year and those at the club believe the talented Spain Under-21 international is yet to reach his ceiling."We are delighted with Eliezer's progress throughout the past two years," said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. "Whether you're a supporter, a member of staff, or a team-mate, it's been immensely rewarding to follow and support his development to this point." The 20-year-old forward's breakthrough season culminated in Premier League promotion and his 76th-minute equaliser against Sheffield United at Wembley was a huge moment in the club's recent history. It also means he is the third-youngest player to score in a second tier play-off final after Leicester's Julian Joachim in 1993 and his then team-mate Tommy Watson, who snatched the late winner in was one of the standout young attackers in last season's Championship and his total 10 league goals was only bettered by Millwall's Mihailo Ivanovic for players under the age of 21. In addition to that, only three under-21 players were responsible for more progressive carries than Mayenda's 183 – with one of those his former colleague Jobe Bellingham – and nobody completed more dribbles.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Former Hibs player to become 'significant' star at Premier League club
He has had a rapid rise after a difficult spell at Hibs, now thriving with Sunderland. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hibs player has his sights on a first Premier League goal after signing a new deal with Sunderland until 2030. The transfer window both in the summer and winter can bring success stories, ones to forget and tales of what could have been. In January 2024, Hibs signed two stars on loan from the Black Cats, who have been promoted to the Premier League ahead of this term, Nectar Triantis and Eliezer Mayenda. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While Triantis returned after this loan a rampaging midfielder who proved key to the club finishing third in the Premiership last campaign, Mayenda left after four lowkey appearances. He has used time in Leith as a major learning curve though, scoring 10 times with five assists in term 24/25 to cement himself in the Sunderland ranks. The attacker has now been rewarded with a new deal for the long haul and has eyes on a goal at England's top table. Eliezer Mayenda on new Sunderland contract He told club media: 'I'm very happy to be here, everyone knows that. This is my team, my club and my city - it's a special moment for me. Playing at the Stadium of Light is always special. I love playing there and the supporters are amazing. When I hear the fans singing my name, it's so special for me and I always try to give everything on the pitch. 'I try to work every day on the training ground and do my best in every game. I'm very proud to sign this new contract and extend my stay here. I feel ready for the next challenge in the Premier League. I feel good at the moment, and I'll give my best. To score with Sunderland in the Premier League would be so special. I came here when I was 18 years old, now I'm 20. I'm going to work towards that goal.' Why Eliezer Mayenda has signed new Sunderland contract Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: 'We are delighted with Eliezer's progress throughout the last two years. Whether you're a supporter, a member of staff, or one of his team-mates, it's been immensely rewarding to follow and support his development to this point. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Although this is a moment to reflect and celebrate his progress, it is also an opportunity to reset our objectives and expectations. Eli is an important player for us, and his commitment will be significant as we embark upon the Premier League season. He's a great character who understands our Club, and I know our supporters will be delighted by this news.' A club statement adds: 'Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce that Eliezer Mayenda has signed a new long-term contract. Following an unforgettable breakthrough season at the Stadium of Light, the striker has committed his future to the Club until 2030. Mayenda scored 10 goals and contributed five assists last campaign, playing an integral role as Régis Le Bris' side clinched a return to the Premier League following an eight-year absence. A scorer in the Black Cats' semi-final victory over Coventry City, the 20-year-old ended the season by netting at Wembley Stadium in the 2025 Championship Play-Off final to cement his place in Wearside history. Mayenda's domestic efforts also led to deserved international recognition, as he became a Spain Under-21 international earlier this year.'
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Mayenda is a flourishing gem'
We asked for your views on striker Eliezer Mayenda signing a new long-term contract that will commit him to the club until 2030. Here are some of your comments:Frank: Mayenda is a flourishing gem, his speed and power make him ideal for the Premier League. He just needs some rough edges rubbed He was instrumental in our promotion campaign last season - still so young and improving all the time. Don't even think we've seen the best of him yet. Ann: Great news. So pleased he and other players want to commit themselves to Sunderland! Can't wait to see all these keen players in the Premier League. Steve: In my opinion, this is a mistake. I hope I'm proved wrong but his level of skill and composure at the point of finishing is below what it should be for a player of his age who aspires to be of Premier League Mayenda is a phenomenal, raw talent. His speed on the ball is incredible and he often takes the play from his own half into the opposition box, scoring crucial goals. He has a true striker's focus and ability. The recruitment team at Sunderland have unearthed several rough diamonds but I reckon that Mayenda shines brightest, as this five year contract shows.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Mayenda signs new long-term deal
Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda has signed a new long-term contract that will commit him to the club until 2030. The 20-year-old, who signed from Sochaux in July 2023, scored 10 goals last season and helped the Black Cats seal their return to the Premier League with goals in the play-off semi-final and final."I'm very happy to sign a new contract," Mayenda said. "I think everybody knows that for me, this is my team, my club, my city – so it's a special moment."Sunderland fans are very, very special. I think they're among the best in England. Playing at the Stadium of Light is always incredible."So, if I have one message, it's to keep going like that. I feel amazing every time I step on the pitch."How important is this news for Sunderland?How do you think he will fare in the Premier League?Send us your views here
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Ex Hibs player set for epic Sunderland turnaround as he's poised to pen long term deal
His time at Hibs didn't go to plan but he's turned his career around and now is aiming for a long term Premier League stay. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs proved a learning curve on his journey - and now the former Easter Road man is set for a major Sunderland reward. The Hibees have struck a couple of deals with the recently promoted Premier League side in recent seasons. Nectar Triantis proved to be a hit, turning from defender to midfielder under head coach David Gray as the club finished third in last season's Premiership. Hibs have eyed a return for the enforcer this summer but one has not been forthcoming. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Another who has swapped Sunderland for Leith in the last few seasons is Eliezer Mayenda, but he departed the club after four outings in the back half of the 23/24 season. Still only 20, Mayenda impressively responded to that disappointing stint with a breakthrough campaign at the Black Cats, playing 41 times with 10 goals and five assists across the forward line en route to their Premier League return. Eliezer Mayenda new Sunderland contract latest Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated that the performances are set to be met with big rewards, as a new deal until 2030 is close to being penned. Other teams have shown an interest in the former Hibs man but he looks poised to remain at Sunderland for the long haul. He tweeted: 'Sunderland agree new deal for Eliezer Mayenda, set to be signed very soon and valid until June 2030. Despite interest from several clubs, Mayenda only wanted to stay at SAFC.' Manager Regis Le Bris said earlier this year after a double against Sheffield Wednesday: 'Eli is still very young. He is only 19 and he is still learning. Even when he is on the bench, he is learning because when you are a young player, you can learn from being behind Wilson, who has been very impressive this season. You have to wait for your opportunities, and if you are working well every day during the training sessions, then you can be happy, even if the situation is not necessarily the best one in terms of always being in the team. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How Eliezer Mayenda has shone at Sunderland 'When you have an opportunity, you have to be ready to play, and he showed some very good qualities with his performance. I thought he played very well. Wilson has done really well this season and for sure is one of the best strikers in the league. At the same time, we need two or three strikers to be competitive in this league. It was the right time for him to recover a bit and Eliezer was ready, he's trained properly and been connected with the team. 'It was very important to refresh the team because most of the players have played many games. The depth of the squad is really important. We had four or five players able to play, and they deserved to have this opportunity. They played well.' Mayenda added: 'Everybody knows that the Championship is not an easy league. Some players need a little bit of adaptation, a little bit of time to adapt to the league. It's just a physical league. I'm a Spanish guy. If you compare it to Spain, Spain is a little bit more technical, but I can play in the Championship. I try to show that I can play in this league in every game. I work every day on the training ground. I'm very happy to score, I will be trying to score in the next games, if possible. For the team, the most important thing is to win the game. If I play just 20 minutes or 90 minutes, for me it's the same thing.
