Reinildo Mandava: Position, transfer fee, style of play, stats & more

Sunderland have announced the signing of Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo Mandava on a two-year deal.

With the overarching sense that all three promoted sides will face the drop in their first season back in the Premier League, Sunderland are seemingly doing all they can in the summer transfer window to change that narrative.

Here is everything you need to know about soon-to-be Sunderland left-back Reinildo Mandava.

Reinildo Mandava age, nationality & background

Born on 21st January 1994, Reinildo Mandava is 31 years old.

Reinildo was born in Beira, Mozambique, and has also represented the Mozambique national team.

Reinildo Mandava transfer fee and contract

While Reinildo joined Atletico Madrid for a €10m fee, he's joined Sunderland on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract with the La Liga outfit.

Aged 31, it's unlikely the left-back would have cost Sunderland a sizeable amount irrespective of his contract status, with a market value of €5m.

What to expect from Reinildo Mandava

Position

Reinildo plays primarily as a left-back, but has been known to have played on the left side of a back three under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

Height and build

Reinildo is 5ft 11in and of lean build.

Preferred foot

As is the case with the majority of left-backs, Reinildo is heavily left-footed.

Style of play

From his time at Atletico Madrid, Reinildo displayed the perfect balance required for a Premier League level full-back. Defensively proficient with the ability to support his team in attacking transitions by providing width, Reinildo could be perfect in adding some much needed experience and know-how to a youthful Sunderland side.

Representing Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid for the best part of four campaigns is good enough proof to suggest that the versatile defender has what it takes to trade Spain for England, having played in the UEFA Champions League 17 times for the manager.

While the Mozambican will be used to playing in a side who see the majority of the ball, it's likely that this won't be the same story at Sunderland, but this could suit Reinildo.

Ranking in the top eight percentile for interceptions, the left-back has showcased an impressive awareness of the game, and it's probable that he'll have to be even more attentive to danger when playing for a side who are favourites to be relegated.

Stats

Metric	Total (Per 90)	Rank
Pass completion	93.5%	Top 9%
Interceptions	1.58	Top 8%
Touches in defensive third	25.73	Top 2%

(Source: FBref.com based on comparison to positional peers in Men's Big 5 Leagues in last 365 days).

Career so far

Previous clubs

Reinildo's senior career started his senior career at Ferroviario da Beira, before making the move to fellow Mozambique side GD Maputo in 2014. It wasn't until 2015 when the left-back got a European move, signing with Portuguese giants Benfica and being assigned to their reserve setup.

After loan moves to Fafe and Sporting Covilha respectively, Reinildo made the switch to fellow Portuguese outfit Belenenses SAD.

A loan move at Lille in 2019 was followed by a permanent switch to the French side at the end of the season, impressive in domestic and European competitions for the club throughout his three-year spell.

On 31st January 2022, Atletico Madrid announced the signing of Reinildo, and three years later he has made the move to newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland.

International caps

Reinildo made his international debut for Mozambique on 23rd May 2014 in a 4-0 loss against Morocco.

He has gone on to play 35 times for his nation, finding the net on two occasions.

What will Reinildo Mandava bring to Sunderland?

Reinildo Mandava will give Sunderland arguably the most vital quality needed in any new signing this summer; experience.

Having played seven seasons in Europe's top five leagues, Reinildo's understanding of the game won't just benefit the Black Cats on the pitch, but off it too.