With the transfer window closing in the next few hours, PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the major signing of Nuno Santos on deadline day.
Sundowns adopted a cautious approach in the transfer market this season, a strategy driven by head coach Miguel Cardoso’s desire for a smaller squad. As a result, the Brazilians were one of the quietest teams during the window.
Before the last-minute signing of Santos, their only other acquisitions were left-back Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC and midfielder Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng, who joined on loan from MLS side FC Dallas. Youngster Aphelele Teto was also signed but immediately loaned out to AmaTuks in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
In a move to trim the squad, the reigning Betway Premiership champions Sundowns released a number of first-team stars, including Sipho Mbule, Lebohang Maboe, Thabang Sibanyoni, Sanele Tshabalala, Sifiso Ngobeni, Neo Maema, Rivaldo Coetzee, Rushine De Reuck, Thembinkosi Lorch, and Lucas Suarez.
NUNO SANTOS REPLACING LUCAS RIBEIRO COSTA?
The Chloorkop-based side also lost their key attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who forced a move to Spanish second division side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.
Ribeiro via his lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont approached FIFA to acquire an international transfer certificate [ITC] to move to Spain after Sundowns reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from Qatar SC for the Brazilian star.
In the previous season, the left-footed star amassed 51 matches across all competitions, scored 21 goals, and registered 14 assists. Ribeiro’s outstanding performances saw him win the PSL Footballer of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, Betway Premiership Goal of the Season, and Golden Boot in the 2025 PSL awards.
The Tshwane giants signed Nuno Santos, who could be a replacement for Ribeiro. They unveiled the Portuguese midfielder on Monday night. “Masandawana is proud to welcome Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos to the club,” Sundowns said on their social media platforms.
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