South African club Mameldoi Sundowns announced on Monday the termination of discussions with Ahly to transfer Uruguayan striker Gaston Sirino after failing to reach a transfer fee that is suitable for both sides.
Ahly Coach Pitso Mosimane, Sundowns’ former coach, lobbied to bring the 29-year-old Sirino to play for the Cairo giants.
Ahly had reached an advanced level in the negotiations to acquire Sirino before negotiations broke down, according to Ahly Football Contracts Director Amir Tawfik.
Sundowns assured in a press release issued on Monday that relations between the two clubs will remain good as usual.
“The good relations between the President of Ahly, Mahmoud El-Khatib, and the President of Sundowns, Patrice Motsepe will continue, as well as the good relations between Sundowns and Ahly, but there is no point or purpose in continuing the discussion on Gaston Sirino,” the statement explained.
The South African team stressed that the club will continue to release players, but the transfer fee must be competitive as they consistently pay large sums for these players.
“Gaston Sirino must now focus on his football and compete for a starting position at Mamelodi Sundowns,” the club’s statement concluded.
