Mamelodi Sundowns will get an opportunity to sign new players early following a decision by FIFA to allow a special transfer window for clubs set to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The expanded 32-team Club World Cup will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, and FIFA has made special arrangements for all participating clubs, which will not only allow them to strengthen their teams for the tournament, but also navigate the tricky situation of players whose contracts will run out during the tournament.
FIFA has therefore proposed a special transfer window for the Club World Cup teams that will be open from June 1-10 while the global football governing body will allow them to replace players during a restricted in-competition period from June 27 to July 3, in time for the knockout stages of the tournament.
That means Sundowns will be free to sign players early with the Club World Cup in mind but who are some of the names they will likely turn to?
Feisal Salum
Tanzanian playmaker Feisal Salum had been the subject of transfer rumours with reports linking him to both Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
The attacking midfielder has turned down a new contract at Tanzanian club Azam FC as he looks to explore his options after this season.
He is a player that can add quality and depth in midfield for Sundowns and even the reported R7 million price tag cannot dissuade the big spending PSL giants if they are really serious about him.
Oswin Appollis
Another player who has been linked with Sundowns as well as their PSL rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is Polokwane City winger Oswin Appollis.
Appollis was heavily rumoured to be leaving Rise and Shine in the last two transfer windows but a deal did not materialize.
However, that interest will be reignited again with Sundowns set to fight it out with Orlando Pirates and North African clubs for his signature.
Thabang Matuludi
Another Polokwane City player linked with a transfer to Sundowns is right-back Thabang Matuludi who is also reportedly wanted by Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns still have options at right-back but with fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan and Fluminense at the group stage, they might see the need to beef up with Matuludi able to offer more of an attacking threat compared to some of those at the club.
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Sundowns are also believed to be tussling for TS Galaxy winger Kamogelo Sebelebele with Orlando Pirates and with an early transfer window, they can beat their PSL rivals to his signature.
Media reports claim the 22-year-old, who is a regular for Adnan Beganovic’s team, has been sounded out by the two clubs who feel he can strengthen their attack.
Lucas Suarez
Sundowns will likely benefit from the new provision by sealing the permanent transfer of a player who is already on their books.
The South American defender is on loan at the club until the end of the season from Argentine side CA Talleres and with his deal ending when the Brazilians will be at the tournament, he will have to be handed fresh terms during this special window.
