REINILDO: THE EXPERT'S VIEW

In an attempt to find as much information about Sunderland's potential new signings as possible, we spoke to Jorge Lopez-Torrecilla who covers La Liga on a weekly basis and knows what Reinildo Mandava is all about.

Reinildo joined Atlético Madrid in 2022 for what was reported as a 3 million euro deal from Lille, and played over 100 games during his three years there. Were Madrid reluctant to keep him in Spain or does it seem like he wanted a fresh challenge?

It was a bit of both. He made a really strong start at Atlético, played over 100 games and became a key part of the back line. But after suffering an ACL injury in early 2023, he struggled to win back his spot. Atlético had already brought in new options at left-back and, with his contract expiring, the timing just made sense. Reinildo wanted regular minutes, and this was a good moment to look for a fresh challenge.

In this new modern era of football that demands full backs to be an asset offensively as well as defending, how does Reinildo stack up? Is he more defensive/offensive or can he do both?

He’s very much a defensive full-back. Not flashy, not the type to live in the final third, but incredibly reliable at the back. And the numbers back that up:

• 5.01 recoveries per game, elite for his position.

• 4.81 duels won per game, showing how involved he is defensively.

• Just 0.39 possession losses per game, which tells you how safe he is with the ball.

• 61.1% tackle success rate. Solid, if not outstanding.

You’re not getting a wing-back bombing forward, but you are getting someone who’ll win the ball, hold his line, and rarely make costly mistakes.

Having been fighting for a top four spot in the La Liga for the last three years, will he be just as much of an asset off the pitch for our young players as well as on the pitch during games?

Absolutely. He’s been in elite locker rooms: title-winning Lille, Champions League-level Atlético... and he’s always been known as a pro. He’s not a red-card risk, he’s calm under pressure, and he leads by example. For a young team like Sunderland building a Premier League identity, that kind of presence matters.

Looking at the social media response to the news of his confirmed departure, it seems as though he was adored by the Atleti fans. What is it about him that the fans liked the most?

Because he gave everything. He’s one of those players fans fall in love with: gritty, committed, humble. Atlético even gave him a send-off message calling him an example of “commitment, courage, and heart.” The fans echoed that all over social media. He wasn’t a star name, but he showed up every game and fought for the shirt.

Given his experience, having played in the top flight in France and Spain, would you be more than comfortable to say he'd cope with the demands of the Premier League?

Yes, 100%. He’s strong, physical, and experienced in two of Europe’s top five leagues. He may not be delivering crosses like Trent or flying up the wing, but if your team needs someone to lock down a side defensively, Reinildo fits the bill. He reads the game well, makes smart fouls when needed (1.83 per game), and stays disciplined - no red cards this season.

At 31, could you see this as perhaps his last transfer to a club in one of the top five European leagues?

It could be. He’s signed a two-year deal, and by the time that ends, he’ll be mid-30s. If he performs well, he could still have options, but this definitely feels like one of his final chapters at the top level. That said, he’s still got the legs and experience to make a big impact now.

Us Sunderland fans are having quite the summer, witnessing exciting potential deals one after another. To maintain this excitement, can you give us a quick rundown of everything we can expect from the Mozambican?

A proper defender. Someone who’ll win duels, cover ground, and leave it all on the pitch. He won’t be the flashiest signing of the summer, but he might be one of the most important. He brings leadership, grit, and experience - and he’ll absolutely help set the tone for what this team is trying to build.

As well as Jorge, who is more of an analyst, we recently spoke to Atlético podcaster Jeremy Bremer to give us the fans' perspective too...