Hands off Devin Titus – Stellies shut down Al Masry approach

Al Masry, who recently defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in their CAF Confederation Cup group stage opener, are understood to have submitted an offer with the intention of securing Titus when the transfer window reopens in January. 

The Egyptian outfit have been monitoring the 25-year-old’s progress for months and believed the timing was right to make their move.

Stellenbosch, however, have made it clear that Titus is not for sale, despite his current contract expiring at the end of the season. 

For now, the club has effectively halted any possibility of a deal, though it remains to be seen whether Al Masry will return with an improved offer that could potentially force a re-assessment.

Coach Steve Barker confirmed this week that Stellies remain in active discussions with the player regarding a new contract and are optimistic about keeping him longer.

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“Devin wants to stay at Stellenbosch – he doesn’t want to play for any other South African team and he’s made that clear,” Barker said on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube. 

“He does want to play abroad… his ambition is to play in either Europe or North Africa. But for now, he remains our player and we are in negotiations, and I am confident he will remain our player for the next coming years.”

Titus, who was promoted from the youth ranks nearly five years ago, has already amassed an impressive 150 senior appearances. 

He is eligible to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice in January, and should he leave as a free agent, Stellenbosch would miss out on any development compensation after that entitlement expired when he turned 23.