Mamelodi Sundowns reportedly agree deal to sign Ecuador midfielder Jhegson Mendez

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly set to sign Ecuador international midfielder Jhegson Mendez on a free transfer when his contract with Independiente del Valle expires at the end of December 2026.

The 29-year-old is said to have agreed a three-year, multi-million-Rand contract and will officially move to the South African club in January 2027, according to South American transfer journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, speaking to Studiofutbol.

The reported agreement is at an advanced stage, with only the final formalities still to be completed before Mendez commits his future to South African football. His current deal with Independiente del Valle ends on 31 December 2026, allowing Sundowns to complete the move without paying a transfer fee.

Mendez would arrive with 38 Ecuador caps and considerable experience of Major League Soccer, as well as more recent exposure to South American football with one of the continent’s most respected clubs.

He developed in Independiente del Valle’s youth system before beginning a seven-year spell abroad. During that period, the midfielder played for Orlando City, Los Angeles FC, Sao Paulo and Spanish second-division club Elche.

Mendez returned to Independiente del Valle in January 2025, signing a two-year contract. The move represented a return to his boyhood club and fulfilled a personal promise, while also offering greater stability following a difficult period in Brazil.

The right-footed midfielder is 1.75 metres tall and can operate in several positions across central midfield. His profile is built around defensive discipline and technical ability, qualities he developed during his time in MLS and the demanding leagues of South America.

Reports of Sundowns’ interest first emerged in August 2026, when Ecuadorian media said Mendez had turned down a lucrative proposal from the South African champions.

However, Merlo’s latest information indicates that talks were subsequently revived and have now moved forward significantly. The two sides are reportedly in agreement over a three-year commitment beginning in January 2027.

If completed, the transfer would give Sundowns an experienced international midfielder without the need to pay a fee to Independiente del Valle.