With the celebrations of the derby win nonetheless holding us heat and fulfilled because the dismal climate continues and the shortest day of the yr attracts close to, the identify of Granit Xhaka remains to be dominating discussions. Lastly, a few of the “knowledgeable” pundits have begun to recognise what we Sunderland followers have recognized for a number of months – our captain is the Premier League signing of the season.
He has set requirements, demonstrated management, offered expertise, and pushed performances, all whereas overlaying extra floor than every other participant within the league – even supposing his legs are apparently gone!
Naturally, the well-deserved plaudits he has obtained have stored the concentrate on the Swiss worldwide as Sunderland have defied the expectations of a contemporary newly promoted Premier League facet.
However the summer season recruitment drive has offered a plethora of gamers who’ve all contributed massively to the outcomes which have been achieved so far. Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Brian Brobbey have all performed important roles within the performances so far however, for me, there may be one participant who stands out as “the second-best signing of the season”.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Reinildo Mandava of Sunderland celebrates the groups first objective, an personal objective, conceded by Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United (not pictured) through the Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Mild on December 14, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
As a lot as a lot of the fanbase are nonetheless marvelling at the truth that KLD managed to persuade Granit Xhaka to affix a newly promoted facet, I’m nonetheless astonished that Reinildo Mandava is carrying the purple and white of Sunderland after greater than three distinguished years carrying the purple and white of Atlético Madrid beneath the demanding Diego Simeone.
His pedigree as a Champions League common has been apparent, and he has introduced much-needed expertise to a place which had the potential to be an issue for Régis Le Bris. Dennis Cirkin clearly has the power to make the grade at this degree, as does Aji Alese, however each have harm information which might be regarding.
As a substitute, we’ve got been handled to the sight of Reinildo demonstrating his electrifying tempo, whether or not shutting down his facet of the defence or rampaging down the wing in assist of the likes of Le Fée and Talbi. Sure, he blotted his copybook with a silly response to being fouled by Aston Villa’s Matty Money, however he has come again impeccably. On Sunday, Anthony Elanga may as nicely have gone to the pub and performed the one-armed bandit – he would have gotten extra change out of that than he did out of Reinildo!
Reinildo’s partnership with Omar Alderete has secured the left-hand facet of Sunderland’s defence and given the Paraguayan confidence to step ahead when the chance arises and show his willingness to each carry the ball ahead and to showcase his spectacular passing approach. Reinildo gives overlaps and underlaps that create area for Chemsdine Talbi to take advantage of. On Sunday it was noticeable that Sadiki was pushing ahead, discovering extra superior positions on the left wing, carrying the ball, and attending to the byline.
Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava warming up earlier than the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Image date: Saturday November 22, 2025. (Photograph by Bradley Collyer/PA Photos through Getty Photos) PA Photos through Getty Photos
And, simply as Xhaka has, the Mozambique worldwide has purchased into the infectious enthusiasm that exists in Sunderland v.2025 – he channelled his inside Muhammad Ali as he bobbed and weaved with the Sky digital camera on the pitch after the ultimate whistle.
Noah Sadiki will probably be a much bigger miss throughout AFCON – however solely as a result of there isn’t a apparent alternative within the squad for the power and work-rate that he provides. There are extra defensive choices to cowl Reinildo’s absence, however none of them will carry to the desk the entire suite of left-back abilities that he has.
After I was scripting this, it was a toss-up between Reinildo and Mukiele. The deciding issue for me was the affect that Reinildo has on the performances of different gamers – his presence and athleticism offers Alderete, Talbi, Sadiki, and Le Fée licence to forage ahead and showcase their abilities, safe within the data that Reinildo has the tempo to cowl any counter-attack down that flank.
Granit Xhaka is undoubtedly the signing of the season. For me, Reinildo sits comfortably in second place behind him.