Royal AM face the prospect of losing highly-rated Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento following a reported contractual standoff following between the player and club hierarchy.
Nascimento has featured prominently for Royal AM this season while registering three goals (with two assists) in 24 appearances so far this season.
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The veteran defender joined Sundowns at the beginning of 2022 following a shock departure from Sundowns where he spent five-and-a-half years and lifted multiple trophies such as the CAF Champions League, CAF Super League, DStv Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Telkom Knockout, and MTN8.
The Brazilian has continued his impressive displays this season as a left-footed centre-back and has been named captain on several occasions.
According to well-placed sources close to the player, Nascimento is contemplating his options as his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season in June.
The 37-year-old already has reported interest in his services from fellow DStv Premiership clubs.
While also having opportunities to return back home to Brazil.
Royal AM are believed to have failed to so far have engaged Nascimento with regards to a contract extension.
Nascimento is believed to be leaning towards playing for one more season before hanging up his boots.
Following his arrival at Royal AM last year, Nascimento disclosed that Sundowns wanted to incorporate him into the club's scouting department, yet he still wanted to play.
"I felt I still wanted to play some more," said Nascimento in an interview with this publication after joining the KwaZulu-Natal-based club last year.
"I think I can play another two to three years and that is why I'm still playing at this moment.
"However, in the future, I would want to still work in football after my playing days.
"I was very scared and sad (in hearing that Sundowns were releasing him) because I always thought about ending my career at Sundowns.
"When I say I was scared, and sad, it is because I didn't know what was going to happen with my playing career.
"I never imagined that I would leave Sundowns this way.
"All along all was fine and no one ever spoke to me about it (the possibility of being released).
"However, I know that in football everything changes very fast.
"The negotiations (with Royal AM) were very fast.
"Really fast.
"As soon as we solved the financial part, which was the most important part, I realised that she wanted me to play for Royal AM.
"This was important for me.
"The proposal from Royal AM was so good I was even surprised," said Nascimento.
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