Former Al Ahly and Chile head coach Martin Lasarte had commented on the imminent transfer of Marcelo Allende to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Allende, 23, is highly regarded in his homeland having captained their national team at youth level and earning a trial at Premier League side Arsenal as a teenager.
However, Sundowns have managed to lure the Chile international to Chloorkop from Uruguayan club Montevideo City Torque, in a deal worth a reported R50-million.
While it’s received a mixed reception in both Chile and Uruguay, Lasarte, who was the coach of Ahly when they were thumped 5-0 by Sundowns admits it’s a great financial opportunity for the diminutive playmaker.
“It’s a big team. Just as it may surprise Allende to go to South Africa, it would also surprise what they have paid for him and the salary he will have,” he told En Cancha.
“I am happy for Marcelo; he deserved a sports opportunity which did not appear, and this possibility arises that, in addition to sports, it is economical.”
Allende has scored 16 goals and registered 23 assists in 87 games since joining the club in January 2020.
