Mamelodi Sundowns set sky-high price for star midfielder

Mamelodi Sundowns set a sky-high price for star midfielder, according to Soccer Laduma.

Sundowns has placed a staggering price tag on Teboho Mokoena, just shy of breaking the record for the highest transfer fee ever paid for a South African player. Mokoena, who has established himself as one of the standout players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), earned the prestigious Footballer of the Season title for the 2022/23 campaign, solidifying his status as a top talent.

At 27, Mokoena showcased his exceptional skills during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, playing a pivotal role in Bafana Bafana’s success as they secured the bronze medal. His impressive performances under coach Hugo Broos marked him as one of the tournament’s standout players, further boosting his market value.

Mokoena’s european move anticipated but blocked

Many anticipated that Mokoena would transition to Europe in the last transfer window, especially after being linked with English Premier League club Bournemouth and French giants Monaco. However, he surprised fans by signing a new five-year deal with Sundowns instead. His agent, Lance Davids, explained that the club’s €5 million (R96 million) asking price made a European move challenging.

“People ask me, Bafana came third in the [AFCON] tournament, why are the players not coming to Europe? The [asking] prices are crazy [from SA clubs]. Teboho, his value, going for €5 million (R96 million)? It’s crazy,” Davids stated on Metro FM . He emphasised the disparity in market values, saying, “Do you know what kind of players they [European clubs] can get for €5 million from South America?”

While Davids acknowledged the PSL’s strength, he pointed out that players from West and North Africa often come at lower prices, which complicates the prospects for South African talent looking to make a move abroad.

Dreams of Europe: The player’s future

“It’s still these boys’ dreams [of playing in Europe], we want to do the best we can. He still wants to go to Europe. We’re not fighting; we need to focus on the player’s future,” Davids added. He remains optimistic about future opportunities, highlighting upcoming events like the Club World Cup and AFCON that could open doors for African players.

As Mamelodi Sundowns navigates Mokoena’s potential, fans eagerly await how this high-stakes situation will unfold. Will he remain in South Africa or finally achieve his dream of playing in Europe?

So stay tuned with The South African for more updates as Mamelodi Sundowns set sky-high price for star midfielder.

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