A “first class” Sunderland player is said to be wanted by several Premier League clubs, as they look to snap him up in the summer transfer window.
Rigg and Bellingham linked with Sunderland exits
Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been two of the Black Cats’ best players this season, helping Regis Le Bris‘ side mount a genuine Championship promotion push. Worryingly, former scout Mick Brown has backed the duo to depart at the end of the campaign, linking them with Crystal Palace:
“These players like the couple of Sunderland lads, Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and people like him are on their radar – and the lad from Southampton, Dibling. It’s a big part of their plan and they’ve had success with it before. You look at what they’ve done with players like Eze, Guehi, Olise.”
To lose either Rigg or Bellingham would be a massive blow for Sunderland, given their age and the influence they are already having at the Stadium of Light. They have a combined eight goals and four assists in the league in 2024/25 to date.
That said, there may have to be an acceptance that both will eventually move on and enjoy fresh challenges unless the Black Cats can seal a return to the Premier League in the coming months. They aren’t the only players who Le Bris could lose, however, following a new update.
“First class” Sunderland ace wanted by clubs
According to Hoy Aragon [via Sport Witness], Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda is the subject of “interest” from several Premier League clubs, as they eye a summer move for him. European teams are also believed to be keen.
The report states that the 19-year-old could “make the jump to a top-level league sooner rather than later”, throwing his Black Cats future in doubt.
While Mayenda may not quite be on Rigg and Bellingham’s level, in terms of his long-term ceiling as a player, losing him this summer would be another setback for Sunderland.
The Spaniard scored both of his side’s goals in last Friday’s 2-1 win away to Sheffield Wednesday, as the Black Cats picked up three precious points in the Championship. It took his tally to six strikes in 16 league starts this term, with five assists also coming his way.
Mayenda has plenty of admirers, not least former Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town defender Luke Chambers, who praised him earlier in the season, saying: “The take from Mayenda with his left foot, to steady himself and then finish. He’s finished it tremendously well which sums up why he got man of the match. He was absolutely first class.”
Related
“From what I hear” – Ex-scout reveals two Sunderland prospects could leave
This will be a concern for Regis Le Bris.
Hopefully, Sunderland are able to fend off interest in the teenage attacker in the coming months, keeping him on as strong competition for Wilson Isidor, but the lure of joining a Premier League club could turn his head.
