What does the future hold for Sundowns attacker Khama Billiat?

With the 2016/2017 Premier Soccer (PSL) season done and dusted, questions are once again being asked about Khama Billiat’s future at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 27-year-old is yet to commit to Masandawana on a new long-term deal, which could possibly mean that he's looking to finally make his long-awaited move to Europe. 

However, with a buyout clause said to be in the region of around R35 million, it will take a team with deep pockets to lure the Zimbabwean away from Chloorkop as he still has another season left on his contract.

According to reports, Billiat has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe as well as on the African continent.

The Brazilians’ mercurial attacker was previously linked with a move to Egyptian giants Zamalek and while they might be keen to rope in Billiat, the Harare-born maestro is unlikely to settle for a move to North Africa.

Earlier in the year, Billiat told Goal that a move to another African team was unlikely, saying he would only consider a move abroad.

Billiat is considered one of the most sought after signings on the continent after his exploits in 2016, but injuries have hampered his form and progress over the last six months after a taxing year of juggling both domestic and continental competitions.

But despite his decline in form, he has still managed to be Sundowns’ top scorer in the league after finding the back of the net eight times.

As Billiat approaches the peak of powers, this could possibly be his last chance to move abroad, and after winning everything he could possibly win with Sundowns, it might just be the right time to move abroad.

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It should be noted that Sundowns are reluctant to allow Billiat to leave, considering that they have already lost Keagan Dolly, and they have certainly struggled to replace the playmaker.

Nonetheless, the 2016 African Player of the Year runner-up will have a tough decision to make in the coming weeks, but it is still unclear which of Billiat’s admires will make a formal offer to Sundowns.

Despite French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais’ previous interest in Billiat, the club has not put forward a formal bid for the player, but with the season now over, many clubs are likely to re-enter the race for the highly-rated attacker, and Sundowns may have a tough task on their hands as they look to keep their most prized asset in Tshwane.