Has Miguel Cardoso confirmed Mamelodi Sundowns' foreign midfielder is up for sale? - 'Let’s see how the market ends'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has hinted that Argentine midfielder Matias Esquivel could be offloaded.

Esquivel joined the Tshwane giants in a reported €2.3 million (R47m) transfer deal in January 2024 but has failed to establish himself as a key player for the Premier Soccer League heavyweights.

After spending a loan stint with CA Talleres in his homeland, he has joined his teammates for the pre-season, although his future continues to attract speculation.

“Esquivel is a player who hasn’t had opportunities and a story that already comes from the time of the previous coach, so there’s a story that speaks for Matias that goes before me,” Cardoso said, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“Let’s see how the market ends. Obviously, Matias is put in this uncomfortable position also, because he’s been a player of Sundowns and hasn’t had the opportunity. Or let’s say the capacity and opportunity of showing the level expected," he added.

“So, let’s see where the situation ends. We trust him; we believe he can still be an important player, so let’s hope… He’s working with us normally. Let’s hope to see where we can finish with him.”

So far, the Argentine has played in 16 games for the Tshwane giants, where he has scored two goals and provided one assist.

Masandawana have already confirmed the departures of Rivaldo Coetzee, Sipho Mbule, Lucas Suarez, Lebohang Maboe, Sifiso Ngobeni, Thabang Sibanyoni, Sanele Tshabalala, Kobamelo Kodisang, and more could leave to create space for expected new signings.

The PSL champions have signed Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC in a bid to strengthen the backline.

Meanwhile, Esquivel is not the only player whose future has attracted speculation; Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau have also been linked with exits.

Terrence Mashego and Thapelo Maseko, who did not travel to the FIFA Club World Cup, are also sitting on the edge.

As Sundowns prepare for their MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates, Esquivel is left in uncertain territory, not knowing where his future lies.

With the transfer market still open until September, Sundowns might decide to loan him out again or sell him permanently if a good offer comes their way.