Sundowns Poised to Sign Portuguese Duo
Mamelodi Sundowns are close to finalizing the signings of two Portuguese internationals, Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos, as the PSL transfer window nears its closure on Monday.
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Reisinho is set to join the squad as a free agent following his departure from Boavista at the end of last season. Reports suggest that Sundowns are ready to spend over R20 million for Santos, who is currently with Vitória SC.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has stressed the urgent need for players in attacking roles, particularly in light of the controversial departure of last season’s star player, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who left despite two years remaining on his contract.
Costa significantly contributed to Sundowns’ success last season, leading them to the league title and securing five individual awards, including 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 identified as midfielders, yet Cardoso’s demands for forwards suggest that Santos may be utilized in an attacking position. The 26-year-old Santos has experience with Benfica’s youth squad and was part of the Portugal team that won both the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2015/16 and the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2017/18.
While Reisinho may not have a celebrated background, Cardoso likely sees untapped potential in his addition.
Cardoso has shown concern about his captain, Themba Zwane, who suffered an injury during last weekend’s match against Magesi. Cardoso confirmed this is a different, newly sustained injury.
Zwane had also dealt with a muscle injury last month during the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns possess the financial resources to support these transfers, having earned over R200 million during the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this past June, despite not progressing to the knockout stages.
If these signings come to fruition, Reisinho and Santos will join Katlego Ntsabeleng (currently loaned from FC Dallas) and Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch as the latest additions to the Sundowns roster this season.
Sundowns have recently moved up to second place in the Betway Premiership following their 3-1 win over Durban City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
They now sit at 18 points from eight matches, just one point behind league leaders Sekhukhune United, who have a game in hand.
