Reinildo Mandava has described his move to Sunderland as a “dream come true” following his free transfer to the newly-promoted Premier League side.

Reinildo has signed a two-year contract with Sunderland following his departure from LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid.

He made 103 appearances in all competitions for Atletico after his move to the Spanish capital in 2022, last appearing for Diego Simeone’s side at the Club World Cup last month.

The 31-year-old played 74 games in LaLiga, helping Atletico keep 18 clean sheets while winning 63.5% of his tackles and 58.5% of his duels.

Reinildo also represented Lille in Ligue 1 prior to his time at Atletico, where he won the league title in 2021 and was named in the 2021 Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

He will become the first Mozambican player in the Premier League.

Ligue 1 winner with LOSC Lille
More than 100 apps for @Atleti
49 caps for Mozambique

A player with serious pedigree…

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 8, 2025

Reinildo is Sunderland’s fourth signing of the summer after Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, and the permanent transfer of Enzo Le Fee after a successful loan spell last season.

Reinildo told the Sunderland website: “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.

“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 begin their return to the Premier League with a home fixture against West Ham on August 16.