West Ham United ignite 'fresh interest' in former Hibs player as summer transfer rumours refuse to go away
The former Hibs player is being linked with a move away from Sunderland in the transfer window.
He’s rebuilt his career after a loan at Hibs - and West Ham United could offer him the chance to reignite his spark.
Eliezer Mayenda moved to Hibs on loan for the second half of the 23/24 from Sunderland alongside Nectar Triantis. It was the latter who made the most impact in Leith, while Mayenda’s loan ended after only a few appearances, but it was he who returned to Sunderland in a major way. He scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United as Premier League status was unlocked.
Minutes at that level have proven fewer and transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke suggest West Ham United have ‘fresh interest’ in the former Hibs forward. Several cards would need to fall into place were Mayenda to drop back into the English second tier but he has been a long-term target for the Hammers in recent years, but is now attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.’
How does Eliezer Mayenda feel about status at Sunderland?
It’s further stated ‘Mayenda is unhappy with the level of gametime that he has received at Sunderland, having started just eight league games this term, and is keen on the idea of a move away as a result.’ Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini admits he wouldn’t be able to critique the forward were he to choose pastures new this summer.
He told the BBC: "It's difficult for players like Mayenda. He's a popular player and he's had some great moments for us because he's an exciting player when he gets on the ball. But he hasn't had as many minutes as he will have liked through the season.
"Conversations could have been happening for months because it doesn't all just happen in the last week of the season. They [the club] know what players' intentions are. This might be for Mayenda the biggest opportunity of his life to get to a club where he's going to play and on a contract that brings him financial security moving forward.
Will Eliezer Mayenda leave Sunderland this summer?
"With him being so on the edges of things this season, it is frustrating. Your career is so short as these players might only get a sweet spot of seven or eight years so they have to strike while the iron is hot.
"It's life and supporters find it hard when people put it in those terms, but it's the reality. He's a player that has given his all when he has had minutes so it's hard to criticise him."
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