How Much Mamelodi Sundowns Will Receive From FC Copenhagen for World Cup Hero Thapelo Maseko

• Thapelo Maseko’s move to FC Copenhagen has put the spotlight on how much money Mamelodi Sundowns could make from his European transfer
• The reported upfront fee is different from the bigger figure previously attached to the deal, raising questions about the final amount
• Sundowns could still receive additional money from the transfer if certain bonuses and conditions included in the agreement are met

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly set to receive an upfront fee of €800,000 (approximately R15 million) from FC Copenhagen for Thapelo Maseko.

The figure, reported by Danish publication Bold, is significantly lower than the €1.5 million (approximately R28 million) transfer value reported when the clubs first reached an agreement earlier this month.

The distinction matters. The €800,000 figure is described as the upfront payment, meaning it should not automatically be treated as the final amount Sundowns will earn from the transfer.

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Why the Maseko fee could still rise

Reports indicate that the overall value could increase through bonuses and other conditions attached to the agreement. That gives Sundowns the possibility of receiving more than the initial R15 million if the relevant clauses are triggered.

The reported fee also comes after a period in which Maseko’s future was uncertain. The winger spent part of the 2025/26 season on loan at AEL Limassol, making three league appearances according to Opta’s career data.

Maseko’s value rose after World Cup moment

Maseko then delivered one of Bafana Bafana’s defining moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On 24 June, he scored the only goal in South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea, sending the team into the knockout phase for the first time.

FC Copenhagen have since committed to Maseko until 2030. The club's director of football, Kristjaan Speakman, said the 22-year-old brings versatility and attacking qualities to the squad.

For Sundowns, the immediate return is therefore reportedly around R15 million, with the possibility of further payments depending on how the deal's conditions play out.

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Mamelodi Sundowns star leaves club to sign four-year deal with European side

This can be appended to the Maseko article as the related Sundowns context:

Mamelodi Sundowns remain title favourites despite struggles

Briefly News previously reported that Mamelodi Sundowns had made an unconvincing start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, despite remaining unbeaten.

A football analyst told Briefly News that Sundowns’ squad depth and quality still made them the team to beat, while the disappointment of losing last season’s title to Orlando Pirates could provide additional motivation.

Source: Briefly News