Reinildo Mandava becomes first Mozambican to join Premier League with Sunderland move

Sunderland have announced the signing of defender Reinildo Mandava on a two-year contract. The 31-year-old was a free agent after his contract with Atlético Madrid expired at the end of last season.

With this move, Reinildo is set to became the first-ever player from Mozambique to play in the Premier League. 

Reinildo’s footballing journey began at his hometown club, Ferroviário da Beira. He then moved to GD Maputo, another club in the Mozambican top flight.

His European stint began when he signed for Portuguese heavyweights Benfica in 2015. After playing for their reserve team, his next big move came in 2019, when he joined French Ligue 1 club Lille for €3 million. He made 87 appearances for Les Dogues over three-and-a-half years, during which he won the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions in 2021. He was also named in the 2021 Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

After Lille, Mandava moved to LaLiga side Atlético Madrid in 2022 for €3 million on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He made 103 appearances for Atleti across all competitions before his recent move to the Black Cats in England. He was a regular part of Diego Simeone’s plans last season, making 30 appearances for the Rojiblancos in all competitions.

Mandava is predominantly a left-back, but he is a dynamic operator who can also play at centre-back and as a left-midfielder. A defensive-minded fullback, he excels at tackling, interceptions, winning duels, tracking back, and maintaining proper defensive shape.

On joining the Premier League, Reinildo said: 

“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. 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.”