Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly mulling over giving Ethiopian forward Abubeker Nassir a Brazilian kick following the arrival of Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Sundowns are expected to unveil Costa this week, and they need to free up a foreign player spot in their squad.
Sundowns already have Erwin Saavedra [Bolivia], Abubeker Nasir [Ethiopia], Marcelo Allende [Chile], Abdelmounaim Boutouil [Morocco] and Etiosa Ighodaro [Nigeria].
Ighodaro spent last season at Chippa United, but could find himself back at Chloorkop if he impresses during his assessment.
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The 24-year-old Costa arrived from Belgian outfit SV Beveren where he had 23 goal contributions [10 goals] in 43 outings.
Abubeker Nassir struggled to get regular time
Nasir is a talented striker but has struggled to get regular playing time at Sundowns due to injuries. He joined the DStv Premiership champions from Ethiopia Coffee last season.
The 23-year-old has only made 14 appearances in the league this season and scored four goals. Only four of those appearances were starts.
The arrival of the new Brazilian striker would further reduce Nassir’s chances of playing, so he will likely be loaned out.
Several clubs in South Africa would be interested in signing Abubeker Nassir on loan. He is a young and talented player and undoubtedly has the potential to be a star in the South African Premier League.Â
A loan move would allow him to play regularly and further develop his game.
He would need to play in a competitive environment to improve his game and reach his full potential.
The decision to loan out Nasir is a difficult one for Sundowns because of the glimpses of class he showed last season.
However, the arrival of the new Brazilian striker means they must decide Nasir’s future. A loan move would be the best option for both Abubeker Nasir and Sundowns.
It will be interesting to see where the Addis Ababa-born star ends up on loan.