Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Bolivia international midfielder Erwin Saavedra from Bolivar in a deal worth a reported R18.5-million.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed the club were close to securing two new signings which would be ‘important’ for the squad for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
“We are close to signing a player who will be very important for us this season and we felt that we needed a bit more cover with regards to a specific position,” he said last year.
“Mamelodi Sundowns don’t have that type of profile, and an interesting profile. Hopefully, we can still strengthen with one or two others.”
Despite a record-breaking start to the DStv Premiership, Sundowns are seemingly not resting on their laurels as they’ve already confirmed the arrival of veteran winger Bradley ‘Surprise’ Ralani from Cape Town City.
That deal is said to have reached up to R4-million but the arrival of the Bolivar captain represents a marquee arrival as Pagina Seite reports the transfer fee will be around $1.2-million (R18.5m).
His wages over a three-year contract is said to be around $1-million (R15m), while Sundowns will have an option to extend by a further 18 months.
Who is Saavedra?
The 25-year-old is a utility midfielder who’s comfortable in various roles due to his high work rate and technical ability, as he features on each wing, central and attacking midfield.
A product of the Bolivar academy system he’s emerged as the captain of the side and has won five league titles over the past eight years.
Overall, the 18-time capped Bolivia international has featured 93 times for the first-team, scoring 23 goals whilst registering 20 assists.
It won’t be the first time Sundowns do business with the club, having signed Gaston Sirino – a player he could likely be replacing – back in 2018.
