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 has 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.”
According to reports, Sundowns keep working on new signings who will be unveiled before July 20 ahead of friendly matches against Stellenbosch FC (July 21), Durban City (July 25) and Sekhukhune United (July 29).
So, what are the latest rumours, gossip and deals involving Mamelodi Sundowns?
Who is rumoured to be heading to Sundowns?
Fawaaz Basadien
Following months of rumours over his future, Sundowns are reportedly keen to wrap up a deal for the Stellenbosch FC left-back as per Soccer Laduma.
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?
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.
Lucas Ribeiro
Sundowns have a battle to keep hold of playmaker Lucas Ribeiro who is attracting interest from Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne as according to KickOff, the French club is ready to offer R41 million for the Brazilian who had an impressive PSL campaign, finishing as top scorer, before shining at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, Transfermarkt reports that Turiksh club Trabzonspor are also interested in Ribeiro, whose technical and physical qualities have impressed coach Fatih Tekke with the outlet also adding Qatari side Qatar SC to the list of his suitors.
Mamelodi Sundowns done deals
IN: None
OUT
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.
