Former Hibs player completes mega money transfer as Easter Road struggle evolves into £22m summer deal
The former Hibs player has swapped Sunderland for a crack at another of Europe’s top leagues.
He might have struggled at Hibs - but that’s been put way beyond a former Easter Road player after his reported £22m transfer.
Eliezer Mayenda and Nectar Triantis joined the Premiership side on loan from Sunderland in January 2024, where the latter thrived over an eventual 18-month spell, but the former headed back to his parent club after four appearances. Mayenda learned from his difficult Hibs stint and proved key in attack as Sunderland clinched a Premier League return in 2025.
Minutes at that level became more limited for the Spaniard as last season developed and he has now signed for Rennes in Ligue 1 for what transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reports as £22m. Sunderland’s statement reads: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Eliezer Mayenda has joined Stade Rennais on a permanent transfer.
How did Eliezer Mayenda do at Sunderland?
“The 21-year-old departs Wearside after three seasons with the Club, during which time he made 72 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists. Mayenda played a key role in Sunderland's 2024-25 promotion-winning campaign, scoring the winner in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Coventry City, before netting the equaliser in the play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, helping the Lads secure promotion to the Premier League and end the Club's eight-year absence from the top-flight.
“Affectionately known as the 'Big Man' by supporters, the Spain Under-21 international also scored the Club's first Premier League goal following promotion, finding the net in a 3-0 opening-day victory over West Ham United at the Stadium of Light, to kick-start a campaign that ultimately ended with qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Everyone at Sunderland AFC would like to thank Eliezer Mayenda for his contribution during his time at the Club and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Mayenda wrote on social media: “It’s time for me to say goodbye… and it isn’t easy. Three years ago, I arrived at Sunderland as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories and emotions that I will carry with me forever. I had the privilege of wearing this shirt, sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates and experiencing that magical day at Wembley with all of you, when we helped bring Sunderland back where it belongs: the Premier League.
What Eliezer Mayenda has said about leaving Sunderland
“I would like to thank Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join this incredible club. I will always be grateful. Thank you to my teammates, the staff and everyone who works so hard every day to make this club what it is. And finally…To you, the supporters. From day one, you believed in me. Season after season, you stood by me.I arrived here as Eliezer. I leave as your ‘Big Man.’
“I’ll carry that name with me forever. 🙏🏾You have to experience Sunderland to truly understand what “Sunderland ’Til I Die” really means. As I leave this club, one thing is certain: Sunderland will always be a part of me. Thank you for everything.”