Sundowns set to secure Colombian hitman for R58 million

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly on the verge of securing a major transfer coup with the acquisition of Colombian forward Brayan León from Independiente Medellín.

The Chloorkop-based club is expected to pay approximately R58 million for the 25-year-old, a deal that reportedly includes a sell-on clause.

🚨🇨🇴 After fullback Juan Arizala sold to Udinese as revealed last week, Independiente Medellin prepare one more sale.

Brayan Leon leaves the club to join Mamelodi Sundowns for $3.5m package plus sell-on clause. pic.twitter.com/RHJvMLHKaT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 3, 2026

Sundowns Squad Reinforcements Under Coach Cardoso

The move comes as head coach Miguel Cardoso seeks to sharpen his attacking options for the second half of the current season. León, who has spent his entire professional career in Colombia, is coming off a highly productive 2025 campaign where he recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances.

The striker’s arrival is expected to intensify competition within the Sundowns frontline. While club veteran Peter Shalulile has seen fluctuating game time, León will also compete with the likes of Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, and Lebo Mothiba for a starting spot.

Sundowns currently have one remaining slot for a foreign-registered player, which facilitates León’s immediate registration. The club’s current non-South African contingent includes Marcelo Allende, Arthur Sales, Miguel Reisinho, and Nuno Santos.

However, the signing carries implications for other returning personnel. Midfielder Matías Esquivel, who is returning to the club following a loan spell with Greek outfit AE Kifisia FC, may find himself without a registered spot in the squad due to the limit on foreign players.

Who is Brayan León?

Born in Turbaco, León rose to prominence at Deportivo Pereira, where he was instrumental in their 2022 Torneo Finalización title win. After a brief stint at Junior FC, he revitalised his career at Independiente Medellín, becoming a key figure in both domestic league play and the Copa Sudamericana.

The transfer, first revealed by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, marks another significant investment from the “Brazilians” as they continue to utilise the South American market to bolster their quest for domestic and continental honours.