Marcelo Allende’s Mamelodi Sundowns future uncertain as contract runs down

Marcelo Allende’s future at Mamelodi Sundowns is uncertain, with the Chilean midfielder’s contract due to expire at the end of June.

The 27-year-old will be eligible to sign a pre-contract from January, and interest is already emerging from clubs in both North and South America.

Allende joined Sundowns from Uruguayan side Montevideo City Torque on a three-year contract, with an option for a further two years. That option was activated before the club travelled to the Club World Cup last year.

However, the club’s early exit from the CAF Champions League may have increased doubts over whether the midfielder will remain at Chloorkop beyond the current campaign.

Sundowns invested heavily in Allende’s signing but have enjoyed a significant return from the player, who has spent four years with the club. He has averaged 44 appearances per season and has continued to be a key figure in the 2026/27 campaign, featuring in all 16 of the team’s matches so far.

Reports from across the Atlantic suggest Allende may be preparing to leave, with a number of possible destinations in Latin America under consideration. Financial terms are expected to play a major role in determining his next club.

Although interested clubs may struggle to improve on the salary he currently earns at Sundowns, a move could increase his prospects of being selected for Chile.

National team ambitions

Chile head coach Nicolas Cordova is aware of Allende but remains unconvinced about the midfielder’s current playing environment. The Betway Premiership does not carry a strong reputation in South America, which could affect Allende’s international prospects.

His availability as a free transfer makes him an attractive option, and Mexico’s top division is being strongly considered as a possible destination because it could offer him improved earnings.

This website has been told that Allende is not expected to renew his Sundowns contract. A return to Uruguay or Chile is being explored, but neither is currently the priority because of the financial implications.

Brazil would be the most attractive option financially, although there is no tangible interest from Brazilian clubs at this stage.

Before any decision is made, Allende still has a major fixture ahead with Sundowns in the FIFA Challenger Cup in December. The club will face either the winner of the Derby of the Americas or the team that emerges from the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores final between Estudiantes de La Plata and Palmeiras.

The two South American finalists will meet in Uruguay on November 28. The winner will then play CONCACAF champions Toluca in the Derby of the Americas on Wednesday, December 9, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar.

Sundowns will face the winner of that match at the same venue on Saturday, December 12.