Mamelodi Sundowns rejected an offer worth more than R30 million for promising attacker Kutlwano Letlhaku last year, according to the player’s agent, Matthew Moore.
The bid came from an unnamed Portuguese club that had shown serious interest in Letlhaku, who was 19 at the time. Despite the offer being viewed by the interested club as sufficient to secure the player, Sundowns decided the amount did not reflect his value and turned it down.
Letlhaku therefore remained with the South African champions. The left-footed attacker had just returned from the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Amajita when the offer was made.
Moore said Sundowns rejected the proposal without indicating the fee they would consider acceptable for Letlhaku. The forward remains under contract with the Brazilians until June 2027, although his long-term future at the club is still uncertain.
“It’s very well publicised that our player Lethlaku has been trying to go to Europe. In this case, they offered more than R30 million and Sundowns didn’t accept it,” Moore told Andile Ncube on Metro FM.
The revelation provides further insight into the level of interest Letlhaku attracted after representing South Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. At 19, he was viewed as a player with strong potential to develop in Europe, but Sundowns were unwilling to part with him for the amount offered.
The club’s decision also means Letlhaku has continued his career in South Africa while remaining tied to Sundowns for another season beyond the current campaign. With his contract running through June 2027, any future move would require the agreement of the club unless the terms of his deal change.
Moore did not disclose the identity of the Portuguese side involved, and no alternative transfer destination was identified. He also did not reveal the value Sundowns would have demanded before considering a sale.
For now, Letlhaku remains a Sundowns player, with the club retaining control of a youngster whose performances for Amajita helped draw attention from Europe. Whether the Brazilians will continue to resist interest or eventually agree to a transfer remains to be seen.
The agent’s comments underline the scale of the offer made for the attacker and confirm that a move abroad had been explored. However, Sundowns’ refusal to accept more than R30 million ensured Letlhaku stayed at Chloorkop after the approach from Portugal.