Mamelodi Sundowns are known for their big spending in the transfer market and after winning the 2024-25 PSL title, they are expected to go big again for the 2025-26 campaign.
Sundowns won their eighth straight league title with a record 73 points, having won 24 of their 28 games, 12 points more than second-placed Orlando Pirates, in what was yet another dominant season.
The Brazilians also reached the CAF Champions League final, their first since 2016, but fell short when it mattered most, and will want to right those wrongs in 2025-26.
Sundowns have even more money now as besides their deep pockets, they have banked more from reaching the Champions League final and $12.49 million from their FIFA Club World Cup participation which means more spending is expected in the transfer market.
Coach Miguel Cardoso made it clear that he will look to trim his squad which means a number of players are in danger of leaving.
“We want to reduce the number of players in the team. We want to make a smaller team, smaller group but also we want to make it even with more quality,” Cardoso told SABC after their Club World Cup elimination.
“So, reduce but make it with more quality so that we have already more than one player with high quality for each position, we have more than two but we need to have two that can replace each other 100%, that is what we need to do.”
So, what are the latest rumours, gossip and deals involving Mamelodi Sundowns?
Who is rumoured to be heading to Sundowns?
Aphelele Teto
According to FARPost, Sundowns are reportedly close to signing South African winger Aphelele Teto after visa issues ended his spell with Livingston FC in Scotland. The 22-year-old impressed on loan at Chippa United earned Bafana caps, but couldn’t secure a UK work permit.
Khulumani Ndamane
According to iDiski Times, Sundowns are in talks to sign 21-year-old Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy.
Fiston Mayele
According to Africa Soccer, Congolese striker Fiston Mayele has already said his goodbyes at Champions League winners Pyramids and Sundowns are among clubs looking to sign the 31-year-old, who is valued at €1.8 million as per Transfermarkt.
Who is rumoured to be heading out of Sundowns?
Lucas Ribeiro
According to Lucas Ribeiro
According to latest reports, Brazilian club Fluminense have made an offer to Sundowns for Lucas Ribeiro although their bid is reportedly lower than that made by Qatar SC. The decision now lies on Sundowns to decide which deal is suitable although the player is believed to favour a return back home to Brazil.
Rushine De Reuck
As per iDiski Times, the defender is set to sign for Tanzanian giants Simba SC which are coached by South African coach Fadlu Davids.
Thembinkosi Lorch
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club are reportedly edging closer to reaching an agreement with Sundowns for the permanent transfer of Thembinkosi Lorch, who spent six months on loan at the club, as per Soccer Laduma.
Malibongwe Khoza
According to Soccer Laduma, the 21-year-old centre-back is attracting interest from French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais FC who are keen to lure him after a breakthrough season at Sundowns.
Neo Maema, Terrence Mashego & Kegan Johannes
Siwelele FC, who acquired the PSL status of SuperSport United, are interested in Neo Maema (pictured) but latest reports indicate he has agreed a deal with Tanzanian giants Simba SC, Terrence Mashego and Kegan Johannes, who have all been struggling for minutes at Chloorkop as per FAPost.
Thapelo Maseko
As per SABC, Mamelodi Sundowns have rejected an initial offer from Cyprus club Aris for Thapelo Maseko. Aris are looking to get Maseko on loan but Sundowns are not happy with the offer.
Khuliso Mudau
The right-back has hinted at the end of his five-year stay at Sundowns after a social media post that suggests he could be on his way out. Khuliso Mudau’s contract expired on June 30 and he posted a cryptic message on Instagram which read: ““A good dancer knows when to leave the dance floor Akiri”.
Peter Shalulile
According to Rwandan journalist Eric Ndgijimana, Mamelodi Sundowns have decided against renewing Shalulile’s contract and he is set to leave the club on a free transfer after five years that have seen him win as many PSL titles and scored 101 goals in 205 games for the Brazilians.
Miguel Cardoso
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was reportedly a target for Egyptian giants Zamalek as per KickOff, but the PSL champions can rest easy as the North African club have reportedly settled on Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera.
Mamelodi Sundowns done deals
IN
Fawaaz Basadien
The left-back became the first off-season signing for Sundowns when he was unveiled on Saturday July 26 from Stellenbosch FC where he had attracted interest from a host of clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
OUT
Kobamelo Kodisang
The winger has returned to Portugal and signed for AVS Futebol on a season-long loan after a nightmare 2024-25 campaign at Sundowns when he did not get opportunities to play.
Sanele Shabalala
The goalkeeper (pictured left) was released after struggling for game time with Ronwen Williams, Dennis Onyango and Jody February all ahead of him.
Thabang Sibayoni
The striker spent last season on loan at Richards Bay and then with Magesi FC and has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Sifiso Ngobeni
The left-back spent last season on loan at AmaZulu and has also found himself surplus to requirements at Sundowns.
Lebohang Maboe
The midfielder left Sundowns after seven years that saw him win seven trophies and make 183 appearances.
Sipho Mbule
Midfielder Sipho Mbule spent last season on loan at Sekhukhune United but he is now a free agent after Sundowns decided against extending his stay at Chloorkop after five years on their books.
Rivaldo Coetzee
Defender Rivaldo Coetzee was released at the end of his deal, after injuries decimated him in his time at the club, having been at Sundowns since 2017.
Lucas Suarez
Argentine defender Lucas Suarez was let go after his six-month loan spell ended with Sundowns deciding against exercising their option to sign him permanently and he has returned to Club Atletico Lanus.
