Matías Esquivel Back at Mamelodi Sundowns After Loan Deal Disaster
Argentine midfielder Matías Esquivel is heading back to Mamelodi Sundowns FC after his loan spell in Greece was cut short, with AE Kifisia FC confirming the early termination of his deal.
Esquivel joined Kifisia in August on a season-long loan, but his European adventure failed to gather momentum. Limited opportunities restricted the 26-year-old to eight appearances across all competitions, during which he did not register a goal or an assist. With game time hard to come by, both parties agreed to end the arrangement ahead of schedule, despite Kifisia holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
“Kifisia FC announces the mutual termination of its collaboration with Matías Eduardo Esquivel. We thank him for his contribution and wish him success in the future,” the Greek Super League side said in a brief statement.
A familiar challenge back at Chloorkop
Esquivel’s return to Pretoria places him at another crossroads. Since arriving at Chloorkop in January 2024 from Club Atlético Lanús, he has yet to secure a regular role in the Sundowns first team. Within months of signing, he was loaned back to Argentina with CA Talleres, before another temporary exit followed with the move to Greece.
Breaking into the plans of head coach Miguel Cardoso has proven difficult. The Portuguese tactician has previously been open about what he expects from the midfielder, stressing that consistent intensity and competitiveness in training are non-negotiable at Sundowns.
Cardoso has also pointed out that Esquivel arrived under a previous technical regime and insisted selection is earned on merit. While acknowledging the Argentine’s technical quality, the coach has repeatedly highlighted that opportunities only come when players demonstrate, week in and week out, that they are outperforming their direct rivals.
Investment still under scrutiny
Signed amid high expectations and a reported fee of around R46 million, Esquivel was tipped to become a marquee figure in the Sundowns midfield. So far, that promise remains unfulfilled. His situation mirrors the struggles faced by several South American imports at the club in recent seasons, many of whom moved on after failing to adapt to the demands of the Premier Soccer League.
For now, Sundowns’ midfield has found balance and rhythm, with recent additions such as Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos settling quickly and playing influential roles. That depth leaves Esquivel facing stiff competition as he looks to revive his career in Tshwane.
Whether he is reintegrated into the squad or sent out on yet another loan during the January window remains to be seen. What is clear is that the coming weeks could be decisive in determining whether Sundowns’ gamble on the Argentine playmaker finally pays off—or whether his journey at Chloorkop edges closer to its conclusion.