While reports indicate that Mamelodi Sundowns are nearing a deal to recruit Ecuadorian international midfielder Jhegson Méndez, questions are starting to arise over the impact of his potential transfer to South Africa on his future with his national team.

The remaining procedures, including medical checks, are anticipated to be finalised before the 29-year-old defensive midfielder completes his transition to the reigning South African champions.

Méndez reportedly has a three-year deal in the works with Sundowns, per sources out of Ecuador. After his contract with Independiente del Valle ends in December, he is set to join the club headquartered in Pretoria in January 2027 as a free agent.

In light of their need to bolster their midfield alternatives going into the second half of the 2026/27 season, Sundowns have made a substantial recruiting move with this development.

The planned move does, however, cast doubt on Méndez's international aspirations, especially given his current role in the Ecuadorian national team's hierarchy.

The midfielder has played in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and has 38 caps for the senior national team. He has played for Orlando City, Los Angeles FC, São Paulo, and Elche throughout his time in Major League Soccer, Brazil, and Spain.

His professional career would face yet another formidable obstacle if he were to go to South Africa and compete in a different footballing environment.

With competition for midfield spots heating up on an international level, some are worried that playing in a league outside of Europe's top tier may hurt his prospects of maintaining a regular spot on Ecuador's roster.

Still, Méndez might be a valuable asset to the Sundowns team with to his technical skills and international experience.

The technical staff will have another seasoned alternative for both local and continental tournaments with his arrival, and the midfield should have more depth and defensive consistency.

Although the rumoured arrangement is at an advanced stage, Sundowns have yet to make an official statement confirming the move.

For now, the necessary physical and contractual formalities remain important before the Ecuadorian midfielder can officially begin his new chapter at Chloorkop.

Source; https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116225903847960898