The Siya crew’s go-to secret agent has urged Percy Tau to leave the UK and prioritise his financial security.
Speaking ahead of the Bafana Bafana star’s proposed move to reunite with Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly in Egypt, the player representative (whose identity will remain hidden for obvious reasons) insists this is the right move.
“He will be looking now at his career and if he is advised the right way, finance should be at the top of his agenda,” the agent told Soccer Laduma.
“At 27, with one year left on his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion and no sign of a contract extension, his priority must be financial security for life. Brighton look like they want to sell to recoup their money, which indicates he is probably not part of Graham Potters plan going forward.”
Tau joined the English Premier League outfit for a reported R50-million fee from Mamelodi Sundowns three years ago while Mosimane was coach at Downs.
“It’s possible as well he is not earning a compatible Premiership salary at Brighton, if he was, then it could make sense to sit out the next year,” said the football agent.
“The kind of money he can get in Ahly, paid net after tax, will be better than the majority of leagues in Europe for him, unless he was paid well in the PL, Bundesliga or Ligue 1 in France, which doesn’t look so likely at the moment.”
Reports have suggested Tau could earn up to R18-million per season in Cairo.
“His decision should be and will be financially based - three years at Ahly sets him up for life. The only way he could discard it is to be offered a new deal at Brighton at up to 45 000 pounds a week (around R660 000) or from another club of similar level and salary bands,” the secret agent added.
“The draw of playing Club World Cup is not a factor. Yes it’s nice to play in it, but reality is the Europeans do not take it seriously and do not put any prestige on it. The Egyptian league is on a par with the PSL, players are technically better generally, it’s quick and physical and Ahly generally walk the league year after year as they by far have the financial muscle.”
Should Downs be an option for Tau?
“Let’s see if, with their financial muscle, Downs are able to match Ahly to be the best in Africa. You have to compete even financially. Sundowns will have a sell-on from the transfer fee, this can help them to compete on the salary and it will be a massive deal for them to get Percy, if they could. Then where would he go? I believe Sundowns, it’s home!” the agent insisted.
“If Percy cannot get an offer comparable financially from Europe, he should go to Egypt. It’s a good place to live, unlike somewhere such as Saudi and Ahly is a massive club, no doubt.”
Story by @superjourno
