News coming out of Orlando Pirates suggest that the club may have a price set for their dependable midfielder, Thalente Mbatha, amid interest from European clubs.
Insiders have indicated a valuation of at least R20 million for the midfielder due to growing interest and his impressive performances. However, with Soccer Laduma contacting Mbatha's agent, Mike Makaab, he believes the price tag is not R20 million but Siya sources at Pirates believe it is.
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As previously reported by the Siya crew, a Championship side from England has inquired about Mbatha. Insiders close to Pirates disclosed that the club has penciled in a R20 million price tag due to increasing interest and Mbatha's improving form with both club and country. Though, that doesn't mean Bucs would sell him for that amount, as it would depend on various factors, such as the club needing him to challenge for the PSL title and the Caf Champions League, so it would depend on the timing of any interest, as well as which club makes a solid offer. South African clubs are known not to stand in the way of PSL stars if a top European club comes in for their respective players.
"The team is getting ready for any offer that may come around so that they can counter offer it and that's why they have come up with their calculations and found out that he is worth R20 million. That's not just a European price tag. It's for any team that would be interested in him as well. But you know, at times when it comes to a move to Europe and mainly England the price would go up with what they call add ons. But for now, he is worth around R20m according to the club and they could be happy to let him go for that amount as he deserves it," the Siya source stated.
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Additionally, a second source mentioned that Pirates are keen to hold onto Mbatha, initially acquired when he was not playing regularly for SuperSport United but who has since become a key performer for both the PSL team and Bafana Bafana.
"For now they are happy with him at the club. They are happy with his contribution and they are only willing to listen to set inquiries and offers. Yes, there has been interest shown in him from one club in the English Championship and that is why the club had to come up with the price tag and once that team makes a follow up and presents their offer then Pirates will take it from there. But for now, he is a Pirates player and the club is happy," the second source stated.
The 24-year-old KZN-born, former Highlands Park midfielder has appeared in most Betway Premiership league games this season, scoring goals too. After joining the club in January last season, he played many games, and his performances had earned him a call-up to the national team, Bafana Bafana, where he had quickly scored two goals.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
