Mamelodi Sundowns are keen on re-signing their former midfielder from the Major League Soccer (MLS), in a bid to bolster their squad and provide the South African with the game time he craves, the Siya crew understands.
Siya sources close to both Cassius Mailula and the club have indicated that negotiations could be underway, though several factors, including the transfer fee and salary adjustments, remain points of discussion.
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Mailula's interest to return to the PSL, or alternatively to another team abroad where he can secure regular playing time, has been the driving force behind any potential move.
"The desire has always been there to bring Cassius (Mailula) back to the team. They even wanted him on loan in January when the MLS was off season but the period was too short compared to the money that could have been involved. Now they are looking at buying him back but what can hold things back is the transfer fee and also the salary," said the Siya source.
"You know he was on a development salary when he left as he was from their juniors and now he will becoming back from another league. Then there is the issue of the transfer fee."
The financial aspects of the deal pose a significant challenge, with Toronto FC looking to make a profit on the young midfielder, according to a second Siya source.
"Teams always want to make a profit when they buy and sell young players. Will Sundowns meet the new fee that Toronto would be asking for? They are talking around a 10% increment from what they bought him. Yes, they could negotiate because he is coming back to his former team but still it won't be easy," the second Siya source observed.
Mailula's move to Toronto FC in July 2023 for approximately €1.5m (R29.72m) marked a significant step in his career. However, limited game time in the MLS, has led to a reassessment of his options. The 22-year-old's recent relegation to training and playing with Toronto's reserves has further fueled his desire for a change, especially with the 2026 Fifa World Cup on the horizon and his ambition to return to the Bafana Bafana squad.
"At the time he went to the MLS there were European teams like Monaco SC who were believed to be interested in him and now he feels he could have gone there. But if the chance of coming back to Sundowns works out then he will be happy. All he wants is to play regularly and get back into the Bafana Bafana squad before the 2026 World Cup. So, if Sundowns can meet his salary and transfer fee then he could be rejoining them at the start of the new season," the source believes.
Sundowns' pursuit of Mailula underscores their strategy of investing in talent that can contribute significantly to the team's success. The potential return of Mailula to Chloorkop could mark an exciting chapter for the club as they look to reinforce their squad for future challenges, particularly with the Fifa Club World Cup on the horizon in 2025.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
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