Leeds United’s Premier League rivals Sunderland have today completed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window. New boy Reinildo Mandava has expressed his delight at joining the Black Cats, describing it as a dream come true to play in the Premier League next season.
The club has officially announced the signing of the ex-Atletico Madrid left-back following his medical in Madrid. The 31-year-old has penned a two-year contract with Regis Le Bris’ team after leaving the Spanish heavyweights.
The defender was part of Diego Simeone’s squad since 2022 and racked up nearly 100 appearances across all competitions, including 32 last term in La Liga and the Champions League. With his Atletico contract expiring post their Club World Cup campaign in the United States, he becomes Sunderland’s fourth summer signing.
He will be donning the red and white alongside Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki next season, with Club Brugge’s Chemsdine Talbi also anticipated to finalize a £19.9m transfer shortly.
“It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League – and I can’t wait to play for an historic club like Sunderland,” Reinildo enthused upon sealing the deal. “I’m excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the Club.
“I want to help, to give power to my team-mates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen,” reports Chronicle Live.
The defender clinched the Ligue 1 title with Lille in the 2020-21 season and bagged the Trophée des Champions in 2021, earning a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year before his switch to Madrid. He lost to PSG in his last game for the Spanish team.
Speakman also highlighted the player’s enthusiasm: “He’s shown a real desire to join our Club throughout our discussions, and to be the first Mozambican to play in the Premier League. He’s highly motivated by this challenge and he has a personality I’m sure our supporters will connect with, so we are looking forward to welcoming him to Sunderland later this month.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland remain active in the transfer market, with Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic rumored to be on their radar, alongside Lyon forward Georges Mikautadze and Sassuolo’s attacking talent Armand Laurienté as potential summer acquisitions.
