Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to have decided to release their Bolivian midfielder, the Siya crew has been informed.
Siya sources have indicated that the Erwin Saavedra move aims to cut costs and provides the player an opportunity to find a new club.
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Insiders at the club stated that, following a second chance at the Brazilians, it has become apparent that things are still not working out for Saavedra, prompting the need for an amicable parting.
The sources added that this decision could be implemented as early as January 2025, with the club's hierarchy having already informed the technical team and are now seeking their input.
"There are a couple of reasons why the club had reached the point of an amicable solution to part ways. But the two main ones are lack of game time and the cutting of costs. He is one of the highest-paid players and with him not playing regularly they are believed to feel like it's money going to waste. So, they have reached that juncture where they have to put the club first and this could happen now in January," the Siya source stated.
A second insider stated that Saavedra faces considerable competition from other midfielders, which has hindered his game time.
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"When he went to Club Bolivar on loan last season it was for him to gain back fitness after injury and come back a different player but it seems things haven't changed for him and with competition in midfield at the club it doesn't look good for him. It's for that reason that the hierarchy at the club feels it is an unjustified expense to keep him at the club. Now, they are working on a possible way out which will suit both parties when agreed," the second Siya source stated.
The Bolivian international joined Sundowns in 2021 on a five-year contract, set to expire in June 2026. However, his experience in South African football has been more challenging than expected. Since joining, he has only appeared in a few PSL games, partly due to injuries and a loan stint away from the club last season.
Despite being recalled at the start of the current season in hope of improvement, his progress has been limited, prompting the club to consider releasing him.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
As the Brazilians aim to streamline their squad, the decision to release Saavedra underlines a strategic focus on financial sustainability and squad efficiency. This change provides Saavedra the chance to explore new opportunities better suited to his abilities, as both parties seek a resolution that meets their respective needs.
