Mozambique star Reinildo Mandava completes Sunderland transfer: “Dream come true”

Mozambique international Reinildo Mandava has completed his ‘dream’ transfer to Sunderland AFC. The defender is set to become the first Mozambican to ever play in the English Premier League once he makes his league debut for the Black Cats.

 

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The former Atlético Madrid star has signed a two-year contract with the newly-promoted Premier League side after leaving the La Liga club when his contract expired.

Reacting to his transfer, Mandava described the move as a dream come true, saying he has always dreamed of playing in what is considered the world’s best elite football league.

“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. I’m excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the club,” he told Sunderland media.”

“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.”

Mandava started his career with Ferroviário da Beira and GD Maputo before joining Portuguese team, S.L. Benfica in 2015.

A switch to Belenenses SAD followed three years later. The 31-year-old eventually joined LOSC Lille on a six-month loan which became permanent. He impressed in France and was named in the 2021 Ligue 1 Team of the Year. The defender signed for Atlético in 2021 after leaving Lille.

Don Reinildo Mandava. Defensor descomunal. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/lfwBhXqEYc

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 25, 2025

The Mambas star was a free agent after parting ways with Atlético Madrid who decided against extending his four-year contract beyond June 30, 2025. Mandava made 103 appearances across LaLiga while featuring in major domestic and international competitions such as the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

The left-back is set to join the DR Congo national team player Noah Sadiki, who signed a long-term contract with Sunderland last week.