Monnapule Saleng's rise from National First Division top goal scorer to one of the most valuable players in the Orlando Pirates starting XI has seen his market value skyrocket in just two seasons.
Who The Player Is:
Monnapule Saleng has gone from Orlando Pirates loanee to being one of the club's most pivotal players this season. After spending the season out on loan with Swallows FC, he returned to Pirates was shockingly included in the matchday squad against Mamelodi Sundowns in October last year and he hasn't looked back since. His sterling performances for the Buccaneers this season has seen him being touted as a Player of the Season candidate.
What Transfermarkt Says:
Very few players have seen the rapid increase in market value that Saleng has had in the last year. According to Transfermarkt, when Saleng was loaned out to Swallows FC In the 2021/22 season, he was valued at just €25 000 (±R505 000). Surprisingly, he was recalled to Pirates and managed to work his way into coach Jose Riveiro's plans. His rich vein of form saw him included in Bafana Bafana which has seen his market value skyrocket. The 24-year-old currently has a market value of €450 000 (±R9m).
Player's contract status:
Saleng was signed by Pirates from Free State Stars on a three-year deal after finishing as the National First Division top goal scorer in 2021. Two years has passed since then, which means that Saleng has one year left to run on his deal with the Buccaneers.
As reported by the Siya crew, Pirates are set to open talks with Saleng over a new and improved deal, which by all indications, is likely to be another three-year deal with the Soweto giants.
Player's Buy Out Clause:
If Saleng's previous contract did not include a buy-out clause, his next contract certainly will! He was signed by Pirates with very little fanfare, despite the fact that he had finished the 2020/21 season as the GladAfrica Championship Top Goal Scorer. He didn't fit into the plans of then coach Josef Zinnbauer but the pacey 24-year-old has managed to turn his fortunes around at Pirates and is now firmly established as one of their best players.
How Much In SA And Where?:
Given his importance to the Pirates cause, it is unlikely that the Buccaneers will sell Saleng to a local suitor. However, if he were to make a move locally, he would have two realistic destinations; Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns. Transfers between the three clubs are rare; however, when they do happen, they are big talking points. If Saleng were to make a move locally, it would be a big one and most likely to be an expensive one.
How Much In Europe And Where?:
There has been talk of European teams tracking Saleng in France and Belgium; however, none of the said interest was confirmed. Pirates do have a habit of selling some of their best players to Europe for the right offer with Andile Jali, Kermit Erasmus and Marshall Munetsi prime examples of this. If the right offer does surface for Saleng, you can expect Pirates to seriously consider an offer that is beneficial for all parties.
Ideal Dream Move:
Saleng has shown that he can mix it up with the best locally but whether he can do that on a consistent basis remains to be seen. If he manages to do that for both club and country, the 24-year-old could be ideal to make a switch to Europe. He has been backed by former Pirates striker coach Scott Chickelday to make the cut in Europe and the next season or two will be interesting for the former Orbit College man.
