When Mamelodi Sundowns forked out a record-breaking R63 million for Brazilian forward Arthur Sales at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, few could hide their scepticism.
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At the time, it felt like a signing that didn’t make much tactical sense, a hefty investment in a player who didn’t quite fit the mould of a traditional number nine or ten, nor did his numbers scream “game-changer”.
But less than a year later, the South American attacker is silencing the doubters with both flair and end product.
Sales arrived at Chloorkop from Belgian side SK Lommel, where he had scored a modest 10 goals and contributed three assists in 31 matches. Nothing in his record suggested he was worth more than any signing in Sundowns' storied history.
Yet, the club pressed ahead, insisting they saw something others didn’t. And now, with a Betway Premiership title in the bag and Sundowns just two games away from continental glory, that gamble is beginning to look like a masterstroke.
Even head coach Miguel Cardoso, who joined the club in November, admitted he wasn’t initially convinced by the 22-year-old.
Sales has turned into one of the most productive players in the league this season. His overall contribution stands at nine goals and 10 assists in 37 matches across all competitions, but it's in the league where his impact has been most lethal. In just 925 league minutes played, the Brazilian has racked up eight goals and eight assists, meaning he’s been directly involved in a goal every 58 minutes on average. That’s the best return of any player in the Premiership this season.
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