Sundowns’ Thato Sibiya set for Lille move ahead of 2026/27

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thato Sibiya is closing in on a move to French club Lille ahead of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season. The 20-year-old is expected to join on loan, with an option for Lille to make the transfer permanent.

The proposed deal has been agreed with Sundowns, who remain positive about Sibiya’s long-term value despite allowing him to leave. Lille have identified the centre-back as a player they can develop for the future.

Sibiya’s rise has accelerated over the past year. He was part of South Africa’s squad that won the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations before featuring at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile. His performances at youth level helped put him among the country’s most promising young players.

Sundowns promoted him to their senior team, where he made four appearances. He also continued to play a significant role for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side, giving him regular football while he adjusted to the demands of first-team football.

The defender was included in Sundowns’ first-team pre-season group in Austria. His impending move to France now places the next stage of his development outside South Africa, with Lille set to provide the setting for that progression.

Sibiya is set to become Sundowns’ third confirmed departure in the current sequence of exits. Peter Shalulile left when his contract expired, while Terrence Mashego joined Stellenbosch FC on loan. Unlike those moves, Sibiya’s agreement could eventually lead to a permanent transfer if Lille exercise the purchase option.