Thato Sibiya: Mamelodi Sundowns Star Signs Long Term Deal With PSL Giants Before Leaving for Europe
- Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed they have tied down 20-year-old Thato Sibiya to a new long-term contract
- Sibiya will spend the 2024-25 season on loan at French Ligue 1 club Lille OSC, who hold an option to buy
- Sundowns' new deal includes a buy-out clause, giving the club negotiating power over any future transfer
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Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the future of young forward Thato Sibiya by tying him to a new long-term contract, even as the 20-year-old heads to France for the current campaign.
The Pretoria-based club confirmed the development in an official statement, announcing simultaneously that Sibiya has joined French Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille on a season-long loan arrangement.
Sundowns Retain Control of Sibiya's Future
Mamelodi Sundowns released an official statement on their social media pages to confirm Sibiya's long-term contract on Thursday, August 27.
"Mamelodi Sundowns are pleased to announce that Thato Sibiya has signed a new long-term contract with the club," the club said in a statement.
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"Mamelodi Sundowns have also reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille for Thato to join the club on a season-long loan. We wish Thato all the best for the season ahead and his next challenge in France."
The timing of the contract renewal is significant. By locking Sibiya into a long-term deal before sanctioning his departure to Lille, Sundowns have ensured they remain firmly in control of his valuation and any potential sale. The new contract includes a buy-out clause, meaning Lille or any other interested club will need to meet a set figure to secure Sibiya's services permanently.
Lille Hold an Option to Buy
Lille do retain the right to convert the loan into a permanent transfer at the end of the season, should they wish to do so. However, the existence of a buy-out clause within Sibiya's contract with Sundowns means the South African champions are positioned to command a structured fee in any such negotiations, rather than being left without leverage at the end of the loan period.
The arrangement reflects a growing trend among South African clubs, who have become increasingly sophisticated in protecting the financial value of their young talent when facilitating moves to Europe.
Sibiya, who turns 21 during the season, will now test himself in one of Europe's top five leagues, with Lille competing in Ligue 1 this term.
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Source: Briefly News
