One of Africa's biggest teams is now said to have made a big transfer call after reportedly failing to sign Iqraam Rayners, who is believed to have joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
Clubs in the north of Africa have evidently been sniffing for talent in South Africa, with Bafana Bafana duo Elias Mokwana and Khanyisa Mayo having recently signed for Esperance de Tunis and CR Belouizdad, respectively.
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Moreover, another South Africa national team star, Oswin Appollis, is reportedly being courted by a number of north African teams, with Esperance, Wydad Athletic Club, Zamalek, and MC Alger among the clubs mentioned in relation to the winger's coveted signature.
The 2023/24 CAF Champions League runners-up Esperance were also recently linked with Rayners' services while he was on the books of Stellenbosch FC.
However, that ship seems to have sailed as the striker is expected to be imminently unveiled by Sundowns after their midfielder Teboho Mokoena unofficially revealed via Instagram that his new teammate has already arrived at Chloorkop from Stellies.
Now, with the Tunisian giants having missed out on Rayners, Esperance have reportedly decided that they will not let go of their Brazilian centre-forward Rodrigo Rodrigues.
"Esperance de Tunis will not let Rodrigues Rodrigues go. He is part of the club's sporting project for next season. Rodrigues is untransferable," an official source told AfricaFootUnited.
It is said that Rayners was viewed as a likely replacement for Rodrigues in Tunis, but with the Capetonian now out of reach, Esperance are adamant about keeping their South American talent at the club.
The 28-year-old signed for Esperance in September 2023 and has gone on to register 11 goals and four assists in 30 matches for the side.
Worryingly, though, Rodrigues is now injured and the club has confirmed that he is set to be out for six weeks due to a muscle tear.
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It is unclear whether or not Esperance will consider signing a replacement as they will also be playing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in June next year.