Mamelodi Sundowns Transfer News: Latest rumours, gossip and done deals

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.

So, what are the latest rumours, gossip and deals involving Mamelodi Sundowns?

Who is rumoured to be heading to Sundowns?

Tshegofatso Mabasa

According to SoccerBeat, Sundowns are interested in signing the out-favour Orlando Pirates striker as a free agent when his deal expires at the end of this season.

Mabasa has fallen down the pecking order at Pirates and is reportedly frustrated by his limited game time under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Matheusinho

Sundowns have reportedly been tracking Brazilian attacker Matheus Leonardo Sales Cardoso popularly known as Matheusinho and they could get him on the cheap after Sport Recife were relegated.

He was on loan at Recife from Portuguese club Santa Clara until June 2026 and the club could opt to cash in next summer. Sundowns reportedly had two offers for Matheusinho rejected in September.

Brian Araujo

As per multiple reports, Sundowns are keen to sign Portuguese goalkeeper Brian Araujo from SC Farense. The 25-year-old could be set to provide stiff competition to Bafana Bafana No.1 Ronwen Williams with veteran Denis Onyango close to hanging his gloves.

Siyabonga Mabena

According to Soccer Laduma, the 18-year-old forward looks to have a future at Chloorkop after Sundowns reportedly decided to hand him more first-team opportunities at the turn of the year.

Mabena has played sparingly this season, scoring one goal in six games, but only one has been a start. However, that is set to change in 2026 as coach Miguel Cardoso plans to given him more opportunities.  

Khulumani Ndamane

TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane has admitted the speculation linking him to Sundowns is disturbing and unsettling.

“At some point, the rumours are disturbing because if you focus on them, you will end up forgetting what you have to do on the pitch,” Ndamane told FARPost.

“So I told myself that everything that is happening right now is happening because of my hard work. People are always going to talk, and everything has its own time. Mine is just to continue working hard; if it happens [moving to Sundowns], it will happen when the time is right.”

Aphelele Teto

According to FARPost, Sundowns were 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. However, his signing did not happen.

Who is rumoured to be heading out of Sundowns?

Khuliso Mudau

According to some unconfirmed reports, Mamelodi Sundowns have decided against extending the right-back’s contract beyond June 2026. The 30-year-old defender came close to leaving the club in the off-season but opted to stay at Chloorkop.

Themba Zwane

The Sundowns captain has been advised to consider taking a one-year contract extension at the club when his current deal runs out in June 2026 as that would guarantee him a future role and retain his legendary status.

“As I said, a one-year contract at Sundowns is still the better option than a two-year deal elsewhere, as long as they can assure him of employment after he retires, whether that’s after one more season or at the end of this one,” an agent, who sought anonymity, told KickOff.

Jody February

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has advised Jody February to consider leaving Sundowns on loan in search of regular playing time and revive his career.

“It’s been long for Jody signing a five-year contract with Sundowns and his fourth or fifth choice,” Khune told Soccer Laduma.

“So if I were him, I was going to ask for a loan. Asking for a loan means you’re going to play. When you play, your value goes up. When it goes up, obviously, you’re going to come back with more experience.”

Asekho Tiwani

According to Unplayable, Asekho Tiwani has attracted attention from sides in Europe with two clubs contacting his representatives regarding his availability. The interested clubs have reportedly been advised to get in touch with Sundowns.

Jayden Adams

According to Soccer Laduma, the midfielder has been advised by Sundowns against leaving the club in the January transfer window in search of game time as coach Miguel Cardoso reportedly wants him to fight for his place.

Adams has struggled for opportunities since joining the PSL champions in January 2025 which has cost him his place in the Bafana Bafana squad as he is set to miss out on the AFCON 2025 squad.

Jody February

Goalkeeper Jody February is reportedly weighing up his options as he continues to stay on the periphery at Sundowns. February is third-choice at Sundowns behind Ronwen Williams and Denis Onyango and with his deal ending in June 2026, he is exploring the possibility of leaving in January or signing a pre-contract ahead of a departure as a free agent at the end of the season as per SoccerBeat.

Mothobi Mvala

The defender’s future at Sundowns is uncertain as he has seen injuries and poor form conspire to lock him out of the team.

Mvala has made just two appearances in 2025-26 but he is out until February 2026 after surgery and it is uncertain if he will regain his place as a key player in the team.

The 31-year-old’s contract expired in June 2025 but he earned a stay of execution although it looks like this could be his final season at Sundowns unless he can shake off his fitness issues.

Iqraam Rayners

According to SoccerBeat, Iqraam Rayners is attracting interest from a club overseas although the possibility of Sundowns selling him remains slim given how important he is to the club.  

Fawaaz Basadien

Fawaaz Basadien might be forced to leave Sundowns in January in search for regular playing time after coach Miguel Cardoso said he is “struggling” with intense competition at the club.

Cardoso admitted Basadien is behind Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga while Asekho Tiwani and Thato Sibiya are also competing for the same starting berth at left-back with him.

Fawaaz Basadien & Jayden Adams

Former Stellenbosch FC left-back Diego Brown wants Fawaaz Basadien and Jayden Adams (pictured) to leave Sundowns in January for a club that will guarantee them regular gametime to stay in contention for a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Miguel Cardoso

The Sundowns coach has seen his future come into question this season as his team started the campaign poorly. In 13 PSL games, Sundowns have dropped 13 points while they have exited two cup competitions already, adding pressure on the Portuguese boss. 

Kegan Johannes

Kegan Johannes thought he had sealed a deadline day move to Siwelele FC after agreeing a season-long loan deal. The defender signed his contract and was even announced but the deal fell through at the last minute when Siwelele FC discovered that they had exceeded their loan quota.

Kutlwano Letlhaku

According to iDiski Times, Sundowns received an offer that could rise to R30 million from a Portuguese club for winger Kutlwano Letlhaku.

The School of Excellence graduate was reported to be keen on the move but Sundowns opted not to sell.

Malibongwe Khoza

According to Soccer Laduma, the 21-year-old centre-back attracted interest from French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais FC, who were keen to lure him after a breakthrough season at Sundowns, but the Brazilians held onto their asset.

Thapelo Maseko

As per SABC, Mamelodi Sundowns rejected an initial offer from Cyprus club Aris for Thapelo Maseko. Aris were looking to get Maseko on loan but Sundowns were not happy with the offer.

Peter Shalulile

The Namibian forward was close to leaving Sundowns, with clubs in North Africa keen, but stayed on and has since broken the PSL scoring record.

Mamelodi Sundowns done deals

IN

Malibongwe Khoza

Former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed that the defender was close to leaving the club but he fought so hard foe him to stay.

“I don’t think many people know there was a time where he was almost released from Sundowns and I fought. I don’t even think he knows this, but I fought a lot to keep him there,” Mokwena told the African Five-a-side podcast.

“The DDC coach at the time was Themba [Badela] and I insisted with him, play him, and to play him a lot at centre-back, to get him to play the Rivaldo Coetzee role of inverting John Stones into the midfield. Because he was originally a defensive midfielder. There was a time when the club felt that he has no future in the club, and I’m very proud to see what he has achieved.”

Carlos Mtshamba & Bianca Mohlabane

Mamelodi Sundowns have roped in talent scout and coach Carlos Mtshamba (pictured) of the Carlos Academy, to boost their scouting network. According to FARPost, Mtshamba has linked up with the Brazilians, alongside former SuperSport United Academy Administrator, Bianca Mohlabane, who has been hired in the same capacity. Mtshamba has landed the new job less than a month since returning from Scotland.

Miguel Reisinho

Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho became Mamelodi Sundowns’ fourth signing when he was unveiled on Friday September 26, 2025. The 26-year-old joined as a free agent, having left Boavista, after his contract ended at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. He joined Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Katlego Ntsabeleng (Dallas FC, loan), Nuno Santos (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal) as the club’s new signings.

Nuno Santos

Sundowns completed the signing of the Portuguese playmaker from Vitoria Guimaraes SC for a reported R20 million on deadline day. Nuno Santos is an attacking midfielder who is seen as the replacement for Lucas Ribeiro who left the club in controversial circumstances.

Katlego Ntsabeleng

The midfielder was signed on loan from MLS club Dallas FC in a bid to bolster the midfield after the departure of a number of players in the position.

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

Lucas Ribeiro

Lucas Ribeiro was unveiled by Spanish second division club CyD Leonesa on Friday September 12 amid an ongoing dispute with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ribeiro was presented as a new player for the team despite Sundowns not agreeing to his departure and not officially releasing him, with a legal dispute set to take place at FIFA. The playmaker signed a one-year contract with the Spanish side.

Rushine De Reuck

The defender completed his move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, who are coached by South African Fadlu Davids.

Thembinkosi Lorch

Nyoso finally sealed a permanent transfer to Moroccan giants Wydad AC after spending six months on loan at the club.

Neo Maema

The midfielder, who captained Bafana Bafana at CHAN 2024, was released and landed a deal with Tanzania giants Simba SC.

Matias Esquivel

The Argentine midfielder, who joined Sundowns for big money, has been loaned out for a season at Greek club FC Kifisia. 

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.