Mamelodi Sundowns Target South American Midfielder As Replacement for Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns Target South American Midfielder As Replacement for Jayden Adams

  • Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly shown strong interest in América de Cali's Josen Escobar following the death of Jayden Adams
  • The 21-year-old Colombia U23 international is valued at R37 million and has attracted interest from two other clubs this summer
  • Sundowns face competition from Santos Laguna and a Bulgarian club, though the Tshwane side are pursuing a permanent deal

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly targeting Colombian defensive midfielder Josen Escobar as they look to fill the void left by the tragic passing of Jayden Adams, according to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra.

Adams died in Cape Town shortly after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving the Tshwane club without one of their key midfielders. Sundowns have now turned their attention to South America in search of a suitable replacement.

Sundowns pursue Escobar amid transfer competition

Escobar, 21, currently plays for América de Cali in Colombia and represents his country at Under-23 level. His club has placed a valuation of R37 million on the midfielder, and Sundowns are said to be confident they can meet that figure.

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However, the Brazilians are not alone in their pursuit. Santos Laguna of Mexico and an unnamed Bulgarian club are also interested in the player, though both are understood to be seeking a loan arrangement. Sundowns, by contrast, are looking to secure a permanent transfer.

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Sundowns recently created space in their foreign player quota by parting ways with Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho, which could ease their path to registering Escobar should a deal be concluded.

Escobar's record at América de Cali

Despite his age, Escobar has accumulated significant senior experience. He has made 117 appearances for América de Cali as a central defensive midfielder, registering four goals and seven assists across those matches.

The Colombian also had a brief spell at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where he featured in eight games. Al-Ettifaq is also the parent club of South African winger Mohau Nkota, who has since returned to the PSL on a season-long loan with Orlando Pirates.

No official confirmation from Sundowns or América de Cali had been issued at the time of reporting.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.