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Sundowns consider offloading South American star

Mamelodi Sundowns are considering offloading one of their South American stars ahead of the January transfer window. The reigning Betway Premiership champions have several South Americans in their ranks.

They include Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende, Bolivian midfielder Erwin Saavedra and the Brazilian duo of Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales. They also have Matias Esquivel, who is currently on loan in his homeland, Argentina, at CA Talleres.

Sundowns are reportedly exploring options for Saavedra, with a permanent departure on the cards.

WHY SUNDOWNS ARE CONSIDERING OFFLOADING SOUTH AMERICAN STAR SAAVEDRA

Since joining the club in 2022, the Bolivian international has struggled to find consistent playing time, plagued by injuries and limited opportunities.

Saavedra returned to Sundowns from a loan spell at Club Bolivar at the beginning of the current season but has seen minimal action under Manqoba Mngqithi, who recently left the club.

Newly appointed coach Miguel Cardoso has not fielded him. In fact, Saavedra sat on the bench in Cardoso’s first game against Raja Casablanca in Pretoria.

Erwin Saavedra looks set to leave Mamelodi Sundowns.
Erwin Saavedra looks set to leave Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture by Sundowns/X

The 28-year-old has not made the matchday squad in the last three games. With just 195 minutes played this season, his future with the Tshwane giants appears uncertain.

Club sources indicate that negotiations are underway to mutually terminate the midfielder’s contract, allowing both parties to move on. If an agreement on the terms of termination is reached, the player is expected to depart in January 2025.

Cardoso has plenty of options in midfield, with the likes of Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphelele Mkhulise and Neo Maema in the eight role.

The Portuguese mentor prefers a lone six, a role either Mokoena or Aubaas can play.

Masandawana are off to Morocco where they play Raja Casablanca on Saturday in a CAF Champions League group B match. Sundowns are second in their group, having won one and drew two of their matches.

Their run of results leaves them tied with AS FAR Rabat, who sit at the top courtesy of goal difference. The South African champions will be looking to win to stay in contention for a knockout stage place.

RELATED STORY: Why Erwin Saavedra has found it difficult to adapt in South Africa

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