adminSunderland Set to Sign Reinildo Mandava on Two-Year Deal
Sunderland are poised to complete the signing of seasoned left-back Reinildo Mandava, with the 31-year-old expected to put pen to paper on a two-year contract in Madrid on Monday.
The Mozambique international has been without a club since parting ways with Atlético Madrid, and transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that the final documents will be signed at the start of the week. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Galetti wrote: “Reinildo will officially sign his two-year contract with Sunderland on Monday in Madrid. The deal was fully agreed, as revealed days ago: the player is set to begin his next chapter in the UK.”
Reinildo spent the past two-and-a-half seasons in Spain following a move from Lille, where he played a key role in their remarkable Ligue 1 title triumph in the 2020–21 campaign. Since arriving at Atlético in early 2022, he has made 74 appearances in all competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the move earlier this week, writing: “Reinildo to Sunderland, here we go! Two-year deal done for the left back set to join from Atlético Madrid.”
Despite reported interest from Leeds United and Crystal Palace, Reinildo has chosen to join Sunderland as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. The Black Cats are understood to have offered a clearly defined role for the defender, with head coach Régis Le Bris eager to bring valuable top-flight experience into a young and evolving squad.
Reinildo is expected to provide competition for Dennis Cirkin at left-back, though his versatility and leadership qualities could see him play a larger role both on and off the field.
Atlético Madrid officially announced Reinildo’s departure on Monday morning, sharing a heartfelt tribute via their English-language social media channels: “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 endeavours.”
In a touching farewell, Reinildo responded: “Thank you so much to the club for giving me the opportunity to be part of the big Atlético de Madrid family. Thank you to my teammates, who treated me so well from the moment I arrived. Thank you to captain Koke, who, from day one – even before we knew each other – came to visit me and made me feel as if I were living a dream. Finally, thank you to the fans for the immense affection they have always shown me and for giving me goosebumps so many times. They are the best in the world. I will always keep supporting this club. ¡Aúpa Atleti!”
Reinildo’s arrival is part of an ambitious rebuild at the Stadium of Light. He joins a Sunderland side that recently unveiled the £17.5 million signing of Noah Sadiki and is also closing in on a club-record £30 million deal for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra.
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