Sundowns face Kutlwano Letlhaku dilemma in latest contract standoff

Sundowns are understood to have tabled a lucrative offer that would have tied the 19-year-old to the club for a further five seasons.  

However, Letlhaku has so far declined to sign, with indications suggesting he is prepared to see out the remaining 18 months on his current contract, which would allow him to leave as a free agent. 

The Brazilians had previously blocked what was reportedly a R30-million move to an unnamed Portuguese club in August last year, according to Letlhaku’s agency, Centre Circle. 

At the time, Sundowns made it clear they had no intention of selling one of their brightest prospects, rejecting two formal bids for a player who joined the club from the School of Excellence in 2023. 

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Letlhaku had just returned from the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he featured a combined nine minutes off the bench in group stage matches against Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. 

A month later, Sundowns allowed the winger to join the junior national side at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where Amajita exited at the round of 16, with Letlhaku featuring in three of the four matches – increasing his exposure to international scouts. 

It is understood that Sundowns subsequently reopened talks with the player and his representatives, but Letlhaku rejected the proposal, preferring to be sold rather than commit his long-term future to the club. 

Reacting to the situation, SABC Sport analyst and former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana expressed hope for a compromise. 

“I love the boy and whatever they decide it needs to benefit everyone,” Kekana said.  

“I’d love to see him play regularly and keep growing. He scores goals and gets assists, but I don’t know if he’s ready to go overseas when he’s not playing regularly. It would be sad to see him go and then come back.”