Kaizer Chiefs’ move for Nigerian forward Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro has reportedly been delayed over an administrative issue.
Ighodaro was reported to be close to joining Chiefs in June but one month later, his arrival at Naturena has not been confirmed.
However, it has been reported that the situation of the striker is set to change as he is due to get a residence permit which would allow him to be registered as a local.
Why is Ighodaro yet to be confirmed by Chiefs?
With this in mind, his parent club Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly opted against releasing him, which would have made him a free agent and an attractive prospect for teams, with Chiefs leading the race for his signature.
Sundowns feel the player, signed in 2021 and yet to play for them, can fetch them a transfer fee and also ease their foreign quota headache if he gets the residence permit and have therefore decided against releasing him.
It is this issue that has held up the transfer to Chiefs as the Glamour Boys also feel signing him as a local can kill two birds with one stone since he would be registered as a local, freeing up space in their foreign quota.
Amakhosi hoping to land highly rated striker
The other issue is that Chiefs, or any other suitors, will now have to pay a transfer fee to Sundowns for the striker who would have been available as a free agent had the Brazilians released him as it was expected before the new development came to light.
Ighodaro signed a five-year contract when he joined Sundowns but has spent spells on loan at University of Pretoria, Chippa United, SuperSport United and AmaZulu last season.
The 24-year-old scored six goals in 27 games across all competitions for Usuthu last season and besides Chiefs, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United are also reported to be interested in him.
Sundowns return for pre-season on Monday July 21 and Ighodaro is among those expected back even with his future still uncertain.
