Orlando Pirates end trial for Argentine midfielder Nahuel Malgarejo without transfer agreement

Argentine attacking midfielder Nahuel Malgarejo has returned to Botswana after Orlando Pirates were unable to agree a transfer fee with Mochudi Centre Chiefs for the 22-year-old.

Malgarejo spent two weeks being assessed by the South African club but has now rejoined Mochudi Centre Chiefs, where he is training ahead of the new season.

A source confirmed the player’s return to Botswana, saying: “He left for Botswana this week. He spent two weeks at Pirates,”

Although Malgarejo is understood to have impressed during his time with the Buccaneers, negotiations between the two clubs did not produce an agreement.

“They couldn’t reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Maybe they would revisit the whole thing in future, but for now the boy is back in Botswana,” added our informant.

The outcome means Malgarejo’s assessment at Orlando Pirates has not resulted in a move for now, although the possibility of the clubs reviving discussions in future has not been ruled out.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs general manager Owe Mmolawa confirmed that Malgarejo was back with the team and taking part in training before the new campaign. However, he declined to discuss the midfielder’s time on trial at Orlando Pirates.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Orlando Pirates were unsuccessful.

Malgarejo had been described as a player in the mould of Gaston Sirino, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs attacker known for his goalscoring and ability to create assists.

Sirino is now with Durban City.

The latest development leaves Malgarejo with Mochudi Centre Chiefs as preparations continue for the new season. His assessment at Orlando Pirates had raised the possibility of a move to one of South Africa’s leading clubs, but the two sides could not settle the financial terms required to complete the transfer.

For the moment, the midfielder remains in Botswana and is working with Mochudi Centre Chiefs, while any further discussions with Orlando Pirates would have to take place at a later stage.