Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Allende transfer update, Pirates circle Shalulile & more

Latest on Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 24 hours, including Marcelo Allende’s future put to rest, a major transfer battle brewing over Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa becoming a free agent.

Allende’s Mamelodi Sundowns future decided

Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende will follow the footsteps of fellow South American and former Sundowns favourite Gaston Sirino this season at Mamelodi Sundowns, with the 2026/27 campaign set to be his fifth at the club after the option on his contract was exercised.

Allende’s place for the new season is secure, and the situation is more significant than it might first appear. Upon completing five years at the club, he will be eligible to apply for permanent residence, which would allow him to be registered as a local player rather than a foreign import — a potentially game-changing designation in a squad governed by strict quota rules.

Allende to follow Sirino’s route👆

Marcelo Allende’s return to Mamelodi Sundowns will pave the way for him to take a similar route to fellow South American and close friend Gaston Sirino.

Read more➡️ https://t.co/3zjMYpmwPS pic.twitter.com/tqzEw2sa5d

— KickOff Online (@KickOffMagazine) July 2, 2026

Sirino himself became the first South American player to last six-and-a-half years at Sundowns through the PSL era, earning permanent residency in February 2023 which enabled him to be selected for Bafana Bafana.

Allende is now on a similar path, having become a naturalised citizen by residence and without any previous senior caps for Uruguay — a route that has already sparked debate in South Africa about his potential eligibility.

Orlando Pirates join race for Shalulile

Orlando Pirates are monitoring the situation of prolific forward Peter Shalulile as the club considers a potential move for the striker whose departure from Mamelodi Sundowns was confirmed on Thursday.

According to Africa Soccer, the Soweto giants have made early exploratory contact as they weigh up attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign, with internal discussions already under way regarding the Namibia international’s availability.

🚨 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋:

Orlando Pirates are keen on signing Peter Shalulile following his expected exit from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Contacts have already taken place with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou a strong admirer of the striker.

There’s also a behind-the-scenes push with Namibia teammate… pic.twitter.com/USgw0EYPi1

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) July 2, 2026

Sources indicate that Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, a long-time admirer of the forward’s movement and finishing ability, is supportive of a possible approach.

His admiration is believed to stem from the striker’s consistency in the South African top flight and his proven record in high-pressure matches.

Ribeiro’s Spanish chapter over, Downs return imminent?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lucas Ribeiro Costa has become a free agent after Cultural Deportiva Leonesa were relegated to the third tier of Spanish football.

He is one of 14 players released as the club rebuilds following their drop from the Segunda Division, contributing six goals and two assists across 31 appearances during his single season in Leen.

#ICYMI: Mamelodi Sundowns are exploring the possibility of a sensational reunion with Lucas Ribeiro Costa. https://t.co/ZIu1SOn7El pic.twitter.com/zPimlaSUcW

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) July 2, 2026

The 27-year-old’s European adventure came with significant off-field baggage. Ribeiro had terminated his contract with Sundowns — which had been due to run until 2028 — following their alleged refusal to allow a move to Europe or Qatar, enlisting the help of law firm Dupont-Hissel and invoking the Lassana Diarra ruling to secure his international clearance.

The underlying dispute between him and Sundowns is still being heard by the FIFA Football Tribunal but latest reports claim the Brazilians are open to a reunion.