Sunderland on Tuesday announced the signing of Mozambique defender Reinildo Mandava on a two-year deal, Afrosport reports.
Reinildo joins the Black Cats on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Spanish club Atlético Madrid.
The 31-year-old seals a historic move to Wearside and is set to become the first Mozambican to play in the Premier 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,” he told the club website.
“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.”
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 8, 2025
Reinildo joined Atlético in January 2022 and departs the 11-time Spanish champions after three-and-a-half years. He scored twice in 103 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side across all competitions, including featuring in 30 games last season.
The Mozambique international last played for Atlético at the ongoing Club World Cup, where he made only one appearance in their three group games.
He becomes the fourth signing of the summer for Régis Le Bris’ side, joining Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, and Habib Diarra, who arrived from Strasbourg in a club-record £30 million deal.
Reinildo, who has featured in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, brings a wealth of experience to Sunderland, who returned to the English top flight after an eight-year absence.
