When Brazilian player Arthur Sales joined Mamelodi Sundowns, it was reported that the club had paid a substantial amount of around R64 million for his services.
However, since his arrival, Sales is yet to score a goal for the Chloorkop-based team as he is first attempting to establish himself as a regular in the starting line-up.
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This has led to questions from certain quarters about whether the R64 million investment was justified, even though it's still early to make a conclusion on the matter.
Siya sources close to the club have offered differing opinions on the cost of the striker.
While some believe Sales has the potential to gradually succeed at the star-studded team, others feel that the scouting and technical team, led by Sporting Director Flemming Berg, may have made a mistake.
"For me, I can say he is a good signing. You have to see what he does in training or friendly games. He is a good striker and I think what is delaying his breakthrough is the understanding with other players and the system. Different players adapt differently to situations and I think that's what is happening with him. But he is a good striker. I have seen him," said one Siya source at the club.
However, a second source close to the club expressed his concerns that Sales might be a repeat of the Matias Esquivel situation, where the player was eventually loaned back to Argentina.
"I think the scouts and the technical team led by Sporting Director Fleming Berg made a mistake here. Such things happen in football. I don't think he is better than (Iqraam) Rayners or (Peter) Shalulile. They could have just signed Rayners as they already had Shalulile and Ribeiro Costa in those positions. It's a mistake like that of Matias (Esquivel)," said the second Siya source.
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"I don't think he will last at Sundowns. I think it was an emotional signing on other grounds and reasons. He is not the star that we thought he is," added the second source.
Notably, this is the opinion of the second source and Sales has the time and ability to prove his initial doubters wrong.
When moving between countries, particularly across continents, time is required to adjust to the conditions. As Sales continues to adapt to his new environment, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can live up to the expectations and justify the significant transfer fee.
