Pirates are closing in on a major transfer target and could outmanoeuvre Sundowns to sign Stellenbosch midfielder Jayden Adams. Sources reveal that Pirates are working hard to secure the 23-year-old talent, who has caught the eye of several top South African teams.
According to Soccer Laduma, Pirates are prepared to sweeten the deal with a combination of cash and player exchanges, which could give them the upper hand over Sundowns in the transfer race.
A reliable source shared that Orlando Pirates have already tabled an offer that includes a significant cash sum alongside Goodman Mosele in exchange for Adams. “At the moment, the way things stand, Pirates are in a much better position to sign Jayden (Adams). They have offered Stellenbosch FC money plus Goodman Mosele for that deal to go through,” the source revealed. The source also emphasised that while it’s early in the process, Pirates believe they can seal the deal in the next January transfer window.
The move comes as Pirates aim to strengthen their squad by adding a talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, and insiders suggest that the Buccaneers could outpace Mamelodi Sundowns in securing Adams’ signature.
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Van Rooyen’s influence could play a key role
The close relationship between Deano Van Rooyen and Jayden Adams could be another factor influencing the midfielder’s potential move to Orlando Pirates. “It’s believed that Van Rooyen has been talking to Jayden (Adams) and telling him about life at Pirates. They are very close, and that could also influence the move,” another source said. If Van Rooyen’s influence plays out, it could tip the scale in Pirates’ favour, especially as both players are familiar with each other from previous stints.
Downs’ multiple offers for Adams rejected by Stellies
While Mamelodi Sundowns remain firmly in the race, they face stiff competition from Pirates. Sundowns had a tumultuous pursuit of Adams in the last transfer window, where they launched multiple bids. Sundowns reportedly made a R25 million offer, but Stellenbosch FC rejected it, with the club holding out for a higher price, rumoured to be close to R40 million.
A source close to the negotiations revealed exclusively, “On the final day, Stellenbosch rejected R25 million for Jayden Adams from Mamelodi Sundowns. Rob Benadie wanted something closer to R40 million, but Sundowns said Stellies were asking too much.”
