Cape Town City midfielder Jaedin Rhodes has reportedly chosen SV Ried over Mamelodi Sundowns as he edges closer to completing a move to the Austrian Bundesliga side.
As recently reported by FARPost, the 23-year-old is leaving the Citizens, the only club he has known in his professional career since being promoted from their reserve side during the 2021/22 season. He joins SV Reid, who are home to former Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart, and recently lost Antonio van Wyk to Sundowns.
FARPost understands that the Brazilians made enquiries about Rhodes, but the player opted for an overseas transfer, which has been his priority since turning professional. Before City were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns were interested in the attacking midfielder who is also at home on either wing.
But Masandawana returned, asking some questions about the player who, however, felt his interests were best served by launching a club career in Europe. A two-year contract, with the option to extend by one season, has been agreed upon between Rhodes and SV Ried.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS ON JAEDEN RHODES AT SV RIED AFTER VAN WYK’S EXPLOITS
The Bundesliga outfit will be Rhodes’ second club in his professional career. He is set to arrive in Austria, shouldering heavy expectations to match or surpass the competitive standard set by Van Wyk, whom he replaces.
That might also help him break into the Bafana Bafana squad, although South Africans at SV Ried have struggled to catch the attention of national team selectors.
Rhodes was a regular for Cape Town City last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Betway Premiership. After finishing as Motsepe Foundation championship runners-up to Kruger United, the Citizens went on to take part in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs.
But they managed just two wins, a draw and a defeat to fail in their final chance of returning to the top-flight league. Rhodes was a regular in the playoffs, which were his final dance with City.
RELATED STORY: Cape Town City to spend another season in Motsepe Foundation Championship