Argentine midfielder Matias Esquivel has been identified as an educated footballer that will make economic sense for the financial brains at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Esquivel has been linked with Sundowns in a transfer reported to be in the region of USD 2,5 million (approx. R47,3 million).
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The 24-year-old is currently in the books of Club Atletico Lanus who play in the Liga Professional Argentina.
Just last season, Esquivel was in fine form playing in attacking midfield areas as he ended with seven goal contributions and is expected to follow in the path of fellow South American Marcelo Allende who has excelled at Chloorkop.
"You must respect Sundowns for being able to identify markets where they can spend smartly and within their means," says retired Brazilian striker Pio Nogueira who played for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
"The economy in Argentina is down now so it is easy to take advantage of that and this keep Sundowns ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
"The Argentine currency (Peso) is weaker than the Rand by far and compared to the US dollar is at more than 800 and they have a new president (Javier Milei) appointed in December 2023.
"Argentina also just recently borrowed money from Brazil, so they are not in a healthy state.
"My thinking has been that maybe Sundowns might be having another team interested in Marcelo Allende and so they are already planning ahead because Allende is top quality and worthy of a go in Europe.
"Don't rule out what Sundowns is cooking.
"Sundowns are playing it smart with their money.
"It is possible for Sundowns to negotiate their way through South America because of what they can spend and what they can pay players.
"If they can pay better salaries than most countries here in South America then they will be attractive for players from this continent.
"What must be noted is that Club Atletico Lanus is not a top club in Argentina and not comparable to River Plate and Boca Juniors.
"If it was River Plate or Boca Juniors, Sundowns would have had no chance of getting this player because the price would have been high considering how well they are paid at those clubs.
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"So, at their level, they can be approached by Sundowns and agree to what they are offered.
"The other thing about players from Argentina is that they will go where there is not all of them get excited about Europe besides the superstars and will rather follow money," says Nogueira.