As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for their pre-season training in Europe, an eye will be on Nigerian-born striker Etiosa Ighodaro, in terms of his future, the Siya crew has been informed.
Despite showing potential, Ighodaro has yet to secure a permanent spot in Sundowns' main squad for getting opportunities on the field and is looking to impress the new technical team during the preseason.
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With Rulani Mokwena leaving the club and Manqoba Mngqithi expected to be head coach while assisted by the likes of Steve Komphela (senior coach), Ighodaro will be hoping he can showcase his value.
Sources close to the club have indicated that there is significant interest in Ighodaro from both European and North African teams, although no official moves have been confirmed yet.
"There has been interest from Europe for him as well as from North Africa but there is nothing official yet so if he doesn't leave for another team outside South Africa for a permanent move then he will be loaned again to another local team," said the Siya source.
"That's what the plans are at the moment. If he doesn't move to Europe then the club wants to loan him again. I know Chippa United wanted him back but I don't know if that's where he will be going. Ighodaro is one of their targets.
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"So far, Sundowns don't want to sell him locally. He can only join another team on loan this coming season," the source added.
The decision to loan out Ighodaro again stems from Sundowns' strategy to not sell him within South Africa, preferring instead to see him develop through loan spells, according to a second insider who underlines the same point.
"They don't want to sell him locally. That's why they are looking at loaning him out instead of selling him. They want to see him see off his contract which ends at the end of the 2025/26 season. So, even if they loan him out this season he will have one more year remaining. But for this forthcoming season, they are looking at loaning him out. SuperSport United wanted to keep him if they don't get another striker in the off-season," the second source stated.
He is yet to play an official game at the Brazilians since joining them in 2021 from Abuja College of Nigeria.
Ighodaro has had stints at the University of Pretoria, Chippa and SuperSport United where he showcased his potential, but Sundowns are yet to integrate him fully into their squad.
As Sundowns finalise their preparations for the upcoming season, the decision on Ighodaro's next move will be crucial. Whether he stays in South Africa on loan or secures a move abroad, his development will be closely watched by both Sundowns and potential suitors.
The pre-season in Europe will be a critical time for Ighodaro to showcase his skills and secure his future, either at Sundowns or elsewhere.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
