Insiders close to Mamelodi Sundowns have indicated why the recent signing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams proceeded despite changes in the head coach position.
Miguel Cardoso replaced Manqoba Mngqithi as head coach recently, while the latter mentor had taken over from Rulani Mokwena before the season started.
The Siya sources added that the Adams signing proceeded because the transfer was driven by Sporting Director Flemming Berg, not the coaching staff.
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The decision highlights the strategic role of the Sporting Director, who collaborates closely with scouts, recruiters, and the technical team, and has the authority to recommend player signings.
The sources stated that the deal's progression, even amidst technical team changes, reflects Berg's enthusiasm in bringing in Adams.
"You know at Sundowns they work like in Europe where the Sporting Director works with team scouts and recruiters to sign players and in Adams' case it was Flemming and Ryan Hunt (Assistant Sporting Director) who really wanted the player and that is why despite coaches going and coming they still signed him as the Sporting Director was the main person interested in him. That's how the deal worked," the Siya source stated.
Further information from insiders have indicated that the Brazilians could have secured the sought-after midfielder, Adams from Stellenbosch FC for around R30 million, with Lesiba Nku understood to be included in the deal.
This transaction is considered one of the most significant for the Winelands side, following Ashley Du Preez and Iqraam Rayners' respective moves to Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns in the past.
The Siya crew learned that after initially rejecting a R20 million offer, Sundowns returned with an improved offer, plus a player, which Stellenbosch could not refuse.
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"For now the most important details are his length of contract and the money Sundowns paid for his transfer. His contract is three years with a one-year option. Which means it will actually run for four years until June 2029. And as for the money, Sundowns have paid close to R30 million plus they have given Stellenbosch FC Nku as part of the deal. Lesiba is not a separate deal from Adams. It's the same deal. So after they refused the improved R20m offer, then Sundowns increased that to around R30 million plus a player and Stellies went in for Lesiba Nku as part of the deal. He is expected to be officially announced before the end of this week as a Sundowns player," the second source stated.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has played regularly this season for Stellenbosch, reunites with his former teammate Iqraam Rayners at Sundowns.
Adams' move to the Brazilians underscores the influence of the Sporting Director in shaping team strategy and signings. With Adams poised to join forces with Rayners who has been in outstanding form, Sundowns continue to reinforce their squad, aiming to enhance their performances both locally and in Africa.
Other Soccer Laduma sources have reported that the price for Adams was R23 million, and it was not clear whether Nku was part of that agreement. The Siya crew contacted Sundowns for comment on the matter but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
