Sundowns Ismael Diaz

Mamelodi Sundowns are targeting Ismael Diaz from Panama. Image: @TerahMaqepula / Twitter.

Mamelodi Sundowns to miss out on blockbuster South American target? 

Mamelodi Sundowns are no strangers to splashing the cash on South American talent, and while most make an impact, it is not guaranteed.

Sundowns Ismael Diaz

Mamelodi Sundowns are targeting Ismael Diaz from Panama. Image: @TerahMaqepula / Twitter.

Mamelodi Sundowns are no strangers to splashing the cash on South American talent, and while most make an impact, it is not guaranteed.

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The most recent of a long list of South American Sundowns players is the likes of Gaston Sirino, Erwin Saavedra and thee most expensive of the lot, Marcelo Allende.

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Now while Sirino has had a great contribution to Sundowns, so much so that he has been suggested by many South African Football fans, for a role in Bafana Bafana colours, after his exploits have helped the club win multiple championships. Allende on the other hand, has not necessarily produced the stats that you would associate with his supposed R50 million. He, has, however, had a brilliant impact stitching up play.

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One player who has been more of a liability since joining, is Saavedra. The Bolivian international has been at Sundowns for just over a year now, but has only featured 10 times for the club in the DStv Premiership. Now according to the latest reports, he may not be adding many more to that total, with the club thought to have ran out of patience with the midfielder who has struggled with injuries since arriving in South Africa.

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That in itself illustrating that signing players from that market is always a gamble, but for Sundowns they can at least claim that they are getting more signings right than wrong. That is why, they were rumoured to be heading back to South America to sign a Panama international based in Ecuador , by the name of Ismail Diaz

Sundowns to miss out on Diaz?

Diaz is currently valued at R24 million by his current club Universidad Catolica. In March it was reported by KickOff.com that Sundowns were on the verge of sealing the deal for the player, having already tabled an offer for his services. 

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It has since emerged, however, that Sundowns could be in danger of losing out on Diaz, as there is now reported strong interest from Colombian side Atletico Junior, which could keep him in South America. Fans of the Brazilians will be hoping that they can close the deal on the 26-year-old winger before their South American competition.