adminSunderland Close to Reinildo Mandava Deal After Atlético Exit – What Fans Should Know
Sunderland are reportedly on the verge of signing Reinildo Mandava following his departure from Atlético Madrid.
The 31-year-old is expected to join the Black Cats on a two-year contract as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. But who exactly is Reinildo, and how will he fit into Régis Le Bris’ squad? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Position Does Reinildo Play – and Why Do Sunderland Want Him?
Primarily a left back, Reinildo has spent most of his career in that role. Sunderland faced issues with depth at full back last season, often forced to shift Trai Hume from his usual position when Dennis Cirkin was sidelined with injury. Reinildo will add much-needed experience and depth to the left-back slot.
However, his versatility is a major plus—he can also operate at centre-back, particularly on the left of a back three. After returning from an ACL injury last season, he played in that position for Atlético Madrid, including during the Club World Cup. He has also featured as a central defender for the Mozambique national team, offering Sunderland added cover if needed.
While Sunderland’s transfer strategy still revolves around acquiring and developing young talent, the jump from the Championship to the Premier League has prompted a desire to balance youth with proven experience. Reinildo brings that in abundance. With over 100 appearances for Atlético Madrid, a Ligue 1 title with Lille, and recent Champions League minutes under his belt, he is a top-level addition for a newly promoted side.
What Kind of Player is Reinildo – and What Are His Strengths?
Reinildo is known for his pace and acceleration, which serve him well in both defensive recovery and pushing forward. Yet, his style is primarily defensive—he excels at shutting down opponents and making smart decisions in possession.
According to data from FBref, in the 2024/25 season with Atlético, Reinildo ranked among the top 8% of full backs in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions, the top 43% for tackles, and top 18% for pass completion. However, he ranked lower in attacking metrics such as crosses and passes into the penalty area—highlighting his preference for risk-free, solid defending.
His numbers were slightly down last season as he recovered from a long-term injury, but still consistent with his career trends. In 2022/23, for example, he was among the top performers in La Liga for blocks, ball recoveries, and dribbler duels. Even when playing as a centre-back, he ranked well in progressive passes and technical quality.
Looking further back to his Ligue 1-winning campaign with Lille in 2020/21, Reinildo was in the top 4% of full backs for tackles and top 1% for aerial duels won—showcasing his dominance in one-on-one battles and defensive headers. His high pass completion rate also demonstrated his ability to maintain possession under pressure.
Why Atlético Fans Loved Him – and What That Means for Sunderland
Reinildo was a fan favourite at Atlético Madrid, known for his fearless and committed defending. His departure this week came with a heartfelt message from the Spanish club:
> “An example of dedication, courage and heart, of overcoming… Thank you so much for these years defending our colors, Rei! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
For Sunderland supporters, that kind of praise from one of Europe’s top clubs should be a reassuring sign of the player’s character and quality.
What This Means for Sunderland’s Current Squad
Reinildo’s arrival will provide crucial depth and experience at left back, allowing Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin to stay in their natural positions. His ability to slot into central defence also offers tactical flexibility for Le Bris.
While the club continues its youth-focused recruitment strategy, adding a seasoned top-flight performer like Reinildo could prove vital in helping Sunderland adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
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