Sundowns set to sign South American midfielder on R463k per month deal

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly sealed a deal for Ecuadorian midfielder Jhegson Mendez who will join the club as a free agent in January.

Sundowns have been in the market for a midfielder following the death of Jayden Adams although the signing of free agent Thabo Cele was seen as a replacement last month.

However, latest reports indicate that the Brazilians have agreed to sign Mendez when his contract with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle expires in December.

Sundowns to sign experienced midfielder

That would make him a free agent, an attractive prospect for the club, who will get a quality player without paying a huge transfer fee.

Latest reports in South America indicate the midfielder has opted to join the South African giants just over a month since it was reported that he had rejected them.

The 29-year-old is a highly experienced central midfielder who offers defensive cover in the mold of Teboho Mokoena and has played in the United States, Brazil and Spain.

 Having come through the ranks at Independiente del Valle, Mendez had a brief stint in Spain, playing for Lucas Ribeiro’s ex-club Cultural Leonesa, and then moved to the MLS where he played for Orlando City FC and Los Angeles FC.

What will Mendez bring at Chloorkop?

He would move to Brazil and sign for Sao Paolo before another short spell with Elche, after which he returned to Independiente del Valle in 2025, where he made 30 league appearances, starting 22 games as they won the title.

Mendez has made 38 senior appearances for Ecuador since his 2018 debut, featuring in the 2019 and 2021 Copa America, while also playing two group stage games at the 2022 World Cup.

The midfielder, who has four goals and eight assists in 159 games for Independiente, has agreed a three-year deal and will reportedly earn $27,778 per month (R463,000) at Sundowns.