Orlando Pirates might soon have to bid farewell to their standout player, Patrick Maswanganyi, due to growing interest from Portugal.
The 26-year-old forward has been linked to a potential return to Europe, with reports indicating he’s eager to make the move after years of playing in South Africa.
Maswanganyi’s Desire for a European Move
Earlier this season, reports surfaced that Maswanganyi was looking to return to Europe, where he had previously spent time but didn’t quite settle.
His former mentor, Farouk Khan, has spoken publicly about his readiness to take the next step in his career.
According to Khan, Maswanganyi is more than ready to test his skills in Europe and feels that a move could benefit both him and South African football.
“He really wants to play in Europe.
If Orlando Pirates allows him to go, it won’t just benefit the club through the sale but also the player and the country,” Khan said.
He added that while Maswanganyi could have stayed in Portugal earlier in his career, he was impatient at the time.
“Many players from other countries use Portugal as a stepping stone to bigger leagues, and Maswanganyi could have waited for his opportunity.
But nothing is lost—he is still ready now.”
UD Oliveirense Shows Interest in Maswanganyi
The club that appears to be most interested in signing Maswanganyi is UD Oliveirense, based in Portugal.
They are reportedly willing to meet the asking price set by Orlando Pirates, which stands at R40 million for the talented forward.
A source from Siya confirmed that negotiations have moved beyond the initial inquiry stage and that UD Oliveirense is serious about bringing Maswanganyi back to Portugal.
However, the big question is whether they can meet the hefty price tag set by Pirates.
“They are looking at the progress he has made, and they’re happy with what they’ve seen.
But whether they can match the R40 million price tag remains to be seen,” the source revealed.
If negotiations continue, it will depend on whether UD Oliveirense can make an offer that satisfies Pirates.
What’s Next for Maswanganyi?
As the season progresses and with the possibility of Orlando Pirates fighting for both the PSL and Champions League titles, Maswanganyi’s future remains uncertain.
It seems likely that any potential transfer will happen after the season ends.
The decision will ultimately depend on whether the Portuguese side can meet Orlando Pirates’ financial expectations.
Could this be the end of Maswanganyi’s time at Orlando Pirates? Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the situation unfolds as the transfer talks heat up.
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