Jhegson Mendez signing could raise Sundowns’ standard, says report

Mamelodi Sundowns’ reported move for Ecuador midfielder Jhegson Mendez could prove one of their most astute South American signings yet.

The Brazilians are understood to have agreed a pre-contract with the 29-year-old, whose deal at Independiente del Valle is due to expire at the end of the year. His arrival would add further quality to an already star-studded squad at Chloorkop.

Sundowns have regularly recruited from South America, although the players brought to the club have enjoyed varying levels of success. More of those deals, however, have worked than have failed.

Mendez stands out because of his experience at international level. The former Elche midfielder has won 38 caps for Ecuador, a record that indicates the level expected of him as Sundowns continue to compete for domestic, continental and intercontinental honours.

The move is particularly notable because Mendez initially turned down Masandawana. Sundowns therefore had to persuade him to change his mind before he agreed to what is reported to be a lucrative contract.

International experience raises expectations

Among Sundowns’ current South American players, only Marcelo Allende had represented his country before joining the club. The Chilean had made one appearance for his national team before moving to South Africa, but has not been selected since.

Brayan Leon arrived from Colombia without a senior international cap, while Arthur Sales joined from Brazil without having played for his country. That is a pattern also seen among several of Sundowns’ previous South American recruits.

The list includes Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Brazil, Argentina’s Matias Esquivel, Uruguay’s Gaston Sirino and Mauricio Affonso, Colombia’s Leonardo Castro, Venezuela’s Jose Ali Meza, Chile’s Jorge Acuna and Brazil’s Ricardo Nascimento.

As a result, there will be increased pressure on Mendez to deliver a higher level of performance. His international background sets him apart from many of those players, although he would not be the first established South American international to join Sundowns.

Former midfielder Erwin Saavedra had approximately 27 caps for Bolivia when he moved to the Tshwane club in February 2022. He had been in and out of the national side at that stage, and eventually accumulated 39 appearances.

Mendez’s international record remains significant because Ecuador are ranked 24th in the world by FIFA. Earning regular selection for a nation placed that highly is no straightforward achievement, and Sundowns will expect that experience to strengthen their squad.