MC Alger closing in on Cassius Mailula signing | OneFootball

Cassius Mailula, the new target of MC Alger

Cassius Mailula/@Super Sport

Algerian Ligue 1 champions MC Alger are reportedly edging closer to reaching an agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Toronto FC, for the signing of South African international Cassius Mailula.

The player’s future currently hangs in the balance following a season-long loan to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club last season – a move that reunited him with his compatriot, coach Rulani Mokwena.

Mailula rose to prominence in the Betway Premiership under the tutelage of Mokwena at Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2022/23 campaign. The Limpopo-born star scored 15 goals and provided four assists across all competitions before sealing a move to the MLS.

However, his transfer to Toronto FC limited his game time as he spent most of his stay on the bench due to the rife competition for a starting berth. He was competing with former Italy internationals, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernadeschi in his first season at the club.

It was Mokwena who came to his rescue last season, luring him to Morocco, where the player found his feet again. With the 22-time Botola Pro League champions, Mailula made 36 appearances, netting six goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.

Like his countryman, Thembinkosi Lorch, the 24-year-old returned to his parent club at the end of his loan spell with Wydad. Interestingly, the South African duo scored the only goals for the Red Castle at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Now, whispers echoing from Algeria suggest that MC Alger are closing in on Mailula’s signing, which will set up another sensational reunion with Mokwena, who was appointed as Khaled Ben Yahia’s successor last month.

The back-to-back Algerian champions are believed to be finalizing terms on a one-year loan deal, with personal terms not expected to be a stumbling block in any potential deal ahead of the upcoming season. suspension or need to manage players, we need to have numbers to match that,” he added.

“But at the same time, we cannot have players that are permanently not used, then they drop the motivation, they are on the side, and that’s the spirt we don’t want inside the club. We want the players to have a chance to play regularly.

“So, that’s the little bit of the mindset that is behind the decision too, trying to reduce the squad a little bit. We will see where we are in terms of numbers, but I am sure in the end we will see that the drop will happen. The decision will be made by me, Sporting Director and the club.