Matias Esquivel: Mamelodi Sundowns Close to Signing Argentine Midfielder

• Mamelodi Sundowns are set to sign Matias Esquivel from Club Atlético Lanús
• Both clubs reportedly agreed on a deal last week to greenlight the transfer
• Esquivel will be the latest South American to join the South African giants

South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly agreed to a deal to sign midfielder, Matias Esquivel from Club Atlético Lanús in a deal worth $2.5 million (R46.7mil).

The 24-year-old Argentine is expected to be a replacement for Erwin Saavedra, who has struggled with fitness issues, resulting in the Bolivian falling down the pecking order.

According to iDiski Times, Club Atlético Lanús and the South African giants struck a deal last week. The player will then join the club during the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The player was reportedly a target for European teams and if the deal goes through, it becomes another major coup for the Brazilians. They signed another South American, Marcello Allende, from Montevideo City Torque in August 2022.

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It is unclear which player they will sacrifice to register their latest foreign acquisition since the Premier Soccer League (PSL) allows the registration of only five foreign players.

The club has five registered foreigners in their squad, namely: Allende, Ribeiro Costa, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Júnior Mendieta, and Abubeker Nasir.

Esquivel arrival would strengthen the club's squad and boost their quest for the 2023/24 CAF Champions League.

Who is Matias Esquivel?

The midfielder has been a key player for Lanus. He played 39 matches in all competitions this past season and helped his side finish fourth in the Liga Professional.

According to Transfermarkt, he started 15 of the 26 league games he was on the squad. He also started 10 of his side's 14 Copa de la Superliga matches.

Esquivel has played for Lanus his entire career, and it remains to be seen how quickly he will settle in another league and country. Rulani Mokwena's team would see the Argentine as a key player in their possession-heavy style.

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Mokwena on problems in South African football

Sport Brief also previously reported Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena stated some issues affecting South African football are affecting his love for the game.

Speaking shortly after his side's 0-0 draw with Polokwane City to end the year 2023, the Masandawana boss lamented the level of officiating in the country.

At the time, Sundowns had played a total of 60 matches throughout the course of the year, and the Polokwane game was their 30th match since August.