Sunderland AFC has sent its supporters into a frenzy with a double dose of exciting news, as the club confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea’s teenage striker Marc Guiu and a new long-term contract for star forward Eliezer Mayenda. The Black Cats, fresh off their promotion to the Premier League, have been aggressive in the transfer market, and the addition of Guiu, a 19-year-old prodigy from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, marks their ninth signing of the summer. Paired with Mayenda’s commitment to the club until 2030, fans are hailing the moves as a bold statement of intent, with some taking playful jabs at rivals Newcastle United, urging them to “look away” as Sunderland’s project gains momentum.
Guiu, who joined Chelsea last summer for £5 million, arrives on a season-long loan after scoring six goals in 16 appearances for the Blues, primarily in their victorious UEFA Conference League campaign. Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman praised the striker’s versatility, noting his ability to impact games both in and out of possession. The deal includes a performance-related clause ensuring Guiu regular game time, a condition Chelsea insisted upon to aid his development. Manager Régis Le Bris, who recently signed a new long-term contract himself, sees the powerful and direct Guiu as a perfect fit to complement existing forwards like Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, bolstering the team’s attacking options for their Premier League return.[](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/marc-guiu-to-sunderland-latest-as-chelsea-transfer-clause-emerges-ahead-of-loan-move-5257080)[](https://www.safc.com/news/2025/august/06/guiu-checks-in-from-chelsea/)
The announcement of Eliezer Mayenda’s contract extension until 2030 has arguably sparked even louder celebrations among the Wearside faithful. The 22-year-old, who netted 10 goals and provided five assists last season, including crucial strikes in the Championship playoffs, has become a fan favorite for his pace, strength, and ball-carrying ability. Fans took to social media to express their delight, with one supporter calling Mayenda “the poster boy for Sunderland’s model,” while another cheekily remarked, “Sunderland smashing this summer. Newcastle fans look away.” Mayenda himself expressed his deep connection to the club, telling Sunderland’s media team, “This is my team, my city – the fans are among the best in England.”[](https://tbrfootball.com/sunderland-fans-buzzing-over-fantastic-news-alongside-marc-guiu-loan-signing-newcastle-fans-look-away/)
With high-profile signings like Granit Xhaka and Simon Adingra already in the fold, Sunderland’s ambitious recruitment strategy under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Le Bris is turning heads. The club is also reportedly pursuing Sevilla’s Loïc Badé to strengthen their defense, signaling their intent to compete at the top level. As Sunderland prepare for their pre-season finale against Rayo Vallecano at the Stadium of Light, fans are eagerly anticipating Guiu’s potential debut and chanting Mayenda’s name, confident that these moves position the Black Cats for a memorable Premier League campaign. The rivalry with Newcastle may be one-sided for now, but Sunderland’s rapid rise is giving their supporters plenty to crow about.[](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/marc-guiu-to-sunderland-latest-as-chelsea-transfer-clause-emerges-ahead-of-loan-move-5257080)[](https://tbrfootball.com/sunderland-fans-buzzing-over-fantastic-news-alongside-marc-guiu-loan-signing-newcastle-fans-look-away/)
