Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has found himself at the heart of a transfer tug-of-war, with lucrative interest pouring in from North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Sudan. The only hurdle remains the hefty price tag the Tshwane club has placed on the Namibian star.
The 30-year-old, who no longer features in head coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans, has attracted concrete interest from Esperance de Tunis, an unnamed Qatari side, and Al Hilal of Sudan, who have entered the race late but with serious intent.
Coach snubs goal machine
Shalulile, who joined Sundowns from Highlands Park in 2020, wasted no time in becoming the club’s top marksman, consistently delivering goals across all competitions. However, his form and influence appear to have meant little to Cardoso, who has sidelined the forward during pre-season and excluded him from Sunday’s MTN8 quarterfinal against Richards Bay.
The writing appeared on the wall when Shalulile, along with Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau, failed to make the squad. A club insider confirmed. “It became crystal clear that he would not be part of the way forward.”
Cardoso, when quizzed about Shalulile’s absence, dodged the question and pointed to the club’s hierarchy for clarity, further fuelling speculation over the striker’s future.
Offers on the table: But price still the sticking point
While Shalulile has reportedly received verbal offers from all three interested clubs, the stumbling block remains Sundowns’ valuation. According to a source close to the negotiations, personal terms will not pose a challenge, but the club must agree to the right transfer fee.
Despite his recent exclusion, Sundowns activated Shalulile’s one-year option after his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, signalling their intent to either cash in or retain control over the situation.
Countdown to Sundowns star departure?
With just one year left on his contract, Sundowns are under pressure to offload the player or risk losing him for free. The coming days will be crucial, as Esperance, the unnamed Qatari outfit, and Al Hilal continue to jostle for his signature.
Unless Sundowns reduce their asking price, Shalulile’s potential exit could remain in limbo. However, all signs point towards an imminent move. And possibly one of the biggest headlines of the South African transfer window.
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