Al-Ittihad add Mamelodi Sundowns defender to transfer shortlist | OneFootball

Exclusive

Photo: BackpagePix

Libyan giants Al-Ittihad SC have added Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau on their transfer shortlist, amidst the player’s reported unsettlement at Chloorkop, with his future hanging in the balance.

The highly rated right-back, regarded as one of the best one-on-one defenders on the continent, signed for the reigning Betway Premiership champions on a five-year deal in October 2020 from Black Leopards.

Since completing a switch to Sundowns, Mudau went on to feature in 157 games across all competitions for the club, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the process. In addition, the 30-year-old is now a regular Bafana Bafana international, having made his debut in March 2022.

The Limpopo-born star won seven trophies with the Tshwane giants, including four league titles, one MTN8 title and as many Nedbank Cup trophies. Moreover, Mudau also lifted the inaugural African Football League [AFL] with Sundowns in 2023.

Now, with his Downs contract having effectively come to an end at the end of June, Sundowns are believed to have exercised the one-year option they retained when the two parties agreed on personal terms five years ago.

While reports have suggested that Sundowns blocked the player’s move abroad after a stellar display at the FIFA Club World Cup, Mudau’s entourage is said to be in active negotiations with the Downs hierarchy over improved terms on his contract.

As a result, Mudau is yet to feature in any official match for Masandawana this season, prompting Ittihad to register concrete interest in luring the player to North Africa according to the latest information gathered by Foot Africa.

A well-placed source close to the matter has indicated that nothing is advanced at this stage, with the Libyan giants still contemplating on whether to launch an official bid as they are currently exploring the feasibility of any potential deal.

Ittihad have shown great ambition in the previous transfer window, completing the signing of Botswana national team captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from Kaizer Chiefs, along with his compatriot Tumisang Orebonye from AS FAR and Egyptian forward Mahmoud Kahraba from Al Ahly.