Mikael Mandron

Sunderland

Born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Mandron attended the Clairefontaine Academy like compatriots Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. He came through the youth ranks at Boulogne-Billancourt, for whom he had played since the age of seven. He joined Sunderland's Academy in the summer of 2011 at the age of 16 on a two-year scholarship. Following an injury to Steven Fletcher, Mandron was called into training with the first team in March 2013. On 29 April, Mandron made his professional debut against Aston Villa, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute and replacing Danny Graham in a 6–1 defeat. With first-team opportunities limited at Sunderland, on 7 January 2014 Mandron agreed to join League Two club Fleetwood Town until the end of the season. He made his debut on 11 January in a 1–0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge. He then scored his first professional goal on 1 February 2014, in a 2–1 loss to York City. He went on to make 13 appearances before returning to his parent club in March 2014. On 28 January 2015, Mandron signed on a youth loan for League Two side Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season. He made his Shrewsbury debut three days later, in a 1–0 win over Newport County. He made three appearances for the club. On 13 November 2015, Mandron joined League Two side Hartlepool United on loan until 2 January 2016. He made his Hartlepool debut against Leyton Orient on 15 November in a 3–1 win. He scored his second career goal on 15 December in Hartlepool's FA…

Eligible to represent England, France, and Scotland at international level, Mandron was called up to the Scotland under-20 team in May 2013. He qualifies to play for Scotland through an Aberdeen-born grandparent.

Possessing a big physique, striker Mandron uses this trait to back into defenders, collect the ball by dropping deeper into the midfield, and hold the ball up, with the ability to win headers from set-plays.

Mandron supported Real Madrid when growing up, while he also followed the results of Paris Saint-Germain.