Betway Premiership defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have unveiled Colombian forward Brayan Lèon.
Lèon joins Bafana Ba Style from Colombian side Independiente Medellín, as Sundowns continues to reinforce their squad for the second round of the season.
The 25-year-old striker is reportedly set to have signed for Sundowns on a R58 million fee from Independiente Medellín.
With his arrival at Sundowns, this brings significant competition for the club’s striking department, as the club already has the likes of Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Lebo Mothiba, and Peter Shalulile.
Lèon started his professional career at Deportivo Pereira in 2021, and he was a member of the squad that clinched the 2022 Torneo Finalización championship via penalties against Independiente Medellín.
Independiente Medellín began monitoring the talented frontman and signed him in January 2023 after his outstanding performances with Pereira.
Last season, Lèon found the back of the net 13 times and contributed nine assists from 40 games across all competitions. His contract with the Colombian club was due to come to an end in June 2027.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ STATEMENT ON BRAYAN LÈON’S ARRIVAL AT CHLOORKOP
Sundowns expressed their excitement at having acquired the services of the 25-year-old forward and hope he will add value to their striking force when the 2025/26 PSL resumes later this month.
“Masandawana are proud to welcome Brayan Lèon to the club,” said Sundowns in their official statement released on Monday morning.
“Brayan Lèon has arrived at Mamelodi Sundowns. A new name. A new challenge. Welcome to the Home of the Champions.”
Lèon becomes the second player to be signed by Sundowns in the January transfer window, following their acquisition of Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng is part of the Sundowns family from Orlando Pirates. The skilled winger was at Orbit College FC on loan from the Buccaneers prior to his unexpected transfer to the Brazilians.
Meanwhile, the club also announced their third signing of this transfer window with the acquisition of Bafana Bafana international, Khulumani Ndamane.
Ndamane joins Masandawana from the Tim Sukazi-owned club, TS Galaxy.
Sundowns had one slot for a foreign player in their squad, which has since accommodated the Colombian forward.
Meanwhile, the other slots for non-South African players are occupied by Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Miguel Reisinho, and Marcelo Allende.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MATIAS ESQUIVEL?
As Lèon has officially been unveiled by the Brazilians, this means Matias Esquivel won’t be registered by Sundowns because his foreign slot has been taken by the Colombian striker.
Esquivel recently returned to Sundowns after he was released by Greek Super League side AE Kifisia FC. He had joined the Greek side on a loan deal from the Chloorkop-based outfit.
Currently, it is uncertain what Bafana Ba Style will decide regarding Esquivel’s future, as the Argentine midfielder has found it difficult to leave a mark after his transfer to Europe at the beginning of the season, leading AE Kifisia to end the loan deal.
Local reports indicate that Sundowns are exploring another loan move for the 26-year-old midfielder, with a return to South America on the cards, specifically to his home soil, where it will be easier for the player to rejuvenate his football career, as Masandawana have filled their foreign quota.
Sundowns will kick off the second round of the 2025/26 PSL season on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, when they host Orbit College FC at home in the Betway Premiership match. The start is at 19:30.
Currently, the Brazilians occupy the second position on the Betway Premiership standings, having earned 26 points from 13 matches. They trail the league leaders Pirates by two points.
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