Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda has told AS that Sochaux made transfer negotiations difficult for the English club.
The 19-year-old arrived at the Stadium of Light in July 2023 for a reported fee of slightly over €1m.
AS had a detailed chat with the winger, where they mention the Black Cats’ documentary, Sunderland ‘Til I Die.
They point that out and ask him how he handled the Championship side’s interest. When responding to that, Mayenda opened up on the effort put in by Sunderland to convince the French club to sanction his sale.
“Yes, I have the feeling that everyone has seen that documentary. I had seen it too, so when they called me, I knew exactly which club we were talking about,” he said.
“I went to visit the facilities, met the president. We talked, and already at that moment I knew perfectly well that this was where I should be.
“The negotiations were a bit long because Sochaux didn’t want to let me go. It was a bit of a complicated situation, but in the end, Sunderland put up the money that Sochaux asked for and I was able to come to England, which was what I wanted to do.
“I wanted to move up a level, live the experience and continue growing. I have great ambitions, and Sunderland are a big club where I am 100% happy and motivated.”
The Spaniard was restricted to a bit part role in his first season at the club with 563 minutes from 15 games, managing two goals and an assist in the process.
His situation improved a lot after Régis Le Bris arrived at Sunderland last summer. He’s scored seven goals and registered five assists from 28 league games this season.
AS let the attacker know that he’s an important player for Sunderland despite being only 19 years of age. The youngster claims his manager keeps reminding him regularly about his age.
“My coach tells me a lot about age. He tells me that I’m very young, and it’s true. Right now, I have to focus on enjoying every game to the fullest,” Mayenda explained.
“Last year I didn’t play much, but this season I’m getting minutes and a somewhat more important role in Sunderland.”
“I’m enjoying myself and I think that if you compare my last year with this one, I’ve improved a lot. I’m progressing and that’s the most important thing for me, to be a little bit better every day.”
Mayenda remains hopeful of receiving a call up from Spain U21 manager Santi Denia for the upcoming international break.
