Transfer Rumours The Sunderland Links/Transfer Rumours Thread - Summer 2025

Born in January 1994 in Beira, Mozambique, Reinildo Mandava’s journey from local leagues in southern Africa to Europe’s top competitions is a story of talent, resilience, and determination.

The left-back made his senior international debut for Mozambique in May 2014 against Morocco, and a year later, he made the move to Europe, signing for Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica.

His early years saw loan spells at Fafe and Sporting Covilhã, where he gained valuable experience in Portuguese football. In January 2019, Reinildo’s career took a significant step forward when he joined Belenenses SAD, earning a move to LOSC Lille shortly after.

It was in France that he rose to prominence, playing a key role in Lille’s stunning 2020-21 Ligue 1 title triumph. That season, he ranked among Ligue 1’s top defenders for tackles won, duels won, and interceptions per 90 minutes.

His consistency and composure earned him a place in L'Équipe’s Team of the Season, and he followed that up by helping Lille defeat Paris Saint-Germain to lift the French Super Cup in August 2021.

In January 2022, Reinildo signed for Atlético Madrid, where he quickly became a trusted figure under Diego Simeone. During his time in LaLiga, he maintained a 90% pass accuracy rate and averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, and 4.1 recoveries per game.

Over three seasons, he made 74 La Liga appearances and featured in the UEFA Champions League, before making his final outing for the club in June 2025 at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Now, the 31-year-old embarks on a new chapter, signing a two-year deal with Sunderland AFC in July 2025. In doing so, he becomes the first-ever Mozambican to represent the Club.

With elite-level experience and a reputation for defensive discipline, work ethic, and leadership, Reinildo arrives on Wearside determined to give everything for Sunderland and help bring glory back to the Stadium of Light.


(edited to put his age right)

 

Out of all the exciting signings we have made so far this may be the most important. Having so much experience at the highest level of European football could be absolutely huge for such a young squad.

 

What a great interview. He is going to be such an asset in the changing room with all of that experience and intelligence. Plus if he’s played for Simeone he should be a decent defender.

He seems a decent fella as well and I can’t wait until he develops a Wearside accent !

 

i like this lad a lot, if i had not seen his age i would think he was mid 20's so looks like he has taken good care of himself along the way.

 

Translation:
EXCLUSIVE - BREAKING NEWS:

Leeds United has offered Fenerbahçe €7M for the 30-year-old world-renowned goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. #LUFC

Fenerbahçe’s expectation for this transfer is €12-13M.

Sunderland, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Arab clubs are also keeping tabs. #SAFC #AVFC #CFC

———————-
“World renowned”? I’ve never heard of him!!