Thabo Cele’s proposed move to Mamelodi Sundowns has been thrown into doubt after a knee issue reportedly emerged during his medical.
The midfielder’s transfer to the reigning South African champions had appeared close to completion, but a medical concern has now placed the deal in jeopardy.
According to iDiski Times journalist Joshua Hendricks, the issue was identified during Cele’s medical assessment at Sundowns.
Cele transfer hits medical stumbling block
Hendricks reported that Cele’s proposed move to Sundowns has hit a stumbling block after a problem with his knee was detected.
The midfielder had previously been scheduled to undergo knee surgery while at Kaizer Chiefs, but reportedly opted against the procedure.
The latest development has raised questions over whether Sundowns will proceed with the transfer.
However, the deal has not officially collapsed.
The club could still assess the medical findings before making a final decision, meaning Cele’s move remains possible despite the setback.
Why Cele’s medical matters
A transfer medical is designed to give a club a detailed assessment of a player’s physical condition before committing to a deal.
Doctors and medical staff can review a player’s injury history, examine joints and muscles, conduct cardiovascular and fitness assessments, and use scans such as MRI or X-rays when required.
For a player with a previous or suspected injury concern, these checks can be particularly important.
What could happen next?
A medical concern does not automatically mean a transfer will be cancelled.
Depending on the severity of the issue, a club may decide to proceed, renegotiate aspects of the agreement or include provisions designed to protect itself against potential future injury problems.
Sundowns must now determine how significant Cele’s knee issue is and whether the associated risk is acceptable.
That means a transfer that had appeared to be “done and dusted” is now firmly back in doubt.
For Cele, the next stage of the medical assessment could ultimately determine whether he becomes a Sundowns player or remains elsewhere.
For now, his move to the champions is hanging in the balance.
