Mamelodi Sundowns are close to signing two Portuguese internationals, Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos, as the PSL transfer window closes on Monday.
New Signings
Reisinho is set to join as a free agent after leaving Boavista at the end of last season. Sundowns are reportedly set to pay over R20 million for Santos, who plays for Vitória SC.
Sundowns’ coach, Miguel Cardoso, has repeatedly stated the team’s need for players in the attacking areas. This need is especially critical since last season’s star player, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, controversially left the club despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Costa was the key player for Sundowns last term, leading them to the league title. He also claimed five individual awards, including the PSL Footballer of the Season, PSL Top Goal Scorer, and Goal of the Tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Both Santos and Reisinho are listed as midfielders, but Cardoso’s demand for players in advanced positions suggests Santos may be deployed in an attacking role. The 26-year-old Santos, who has played for Benfica’s under-19 team, was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in the 2015/16 season and the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the 2017/18 season.
While Reisinho’s résumé may not be as impressive, Cardoso likely has his reasons for wanting to sign him.
Cardoso has been concerned about the injury to his captain, Themba Zwane, who was pulled out of last weekend’s match against Magesi. Cardoso clarified that it was a new, different injury.
Zwane also sustained a muscle injury last month in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns have the financial resources to make these signings after earning over R200 million during the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. in June, despite not reaching the knockout stages.
If signed, Reisinho and Santos would join Katlego Ntsabeleng (on loan from FC Dallas) and Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch as the new players for Sundowns this season.
Sundowns moved into second place in the Betway Premiership after beating Durban City 3-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
They now have 18 points from eight matches, just one point behind log leaders Sekhukhune United, who have a game in hand.
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