Marcelo Allende Hints At Mamelodi Sundowns Exit As Final Season At Chloorkop Looms

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has dropped a major hint about his future, admitting that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign with the reigning South African champions. The Chilean playmaker remains an important part of the Sundowns squad and continues to focus on helping the club compete for more silverware. However, his latest comments have raised fresh questions about whether his successful spell at Chloorkop is approaching its conclusion. Allende has attracted considerable transfer interest in recent months, with speculation continuing about a potential move away from the Betway Premiership. While the midfielder has not confirmed that he will leave Sundowns, his reference to his “last year” at the club has given supporters plenty to consider.

Allende addressed his future while speaking to the media ahead of Sundowns’ Betway Premiership meeting with Marumo Gallants. The fixture comes at an important stage of the campaign as the Brazilians look to maintain their strong domestic record while continuing to compete on multiple fronts. Rather than allowing questions about his contractual situation to become a distraction, the Chilean made it clear that his immediate priority remains football. He also denied suggestions that he is currently in discussions with other clubs. His comments indicate that, regardless of what happens beyond the current campaign, he intends to remain fully committed to Sundowns while he is still part of the squad.

“I’m focused on my last year here at the club. I haven’t spoken to anyone. As I have said, I’m really focused, from everywhere,” Allende said. The statement is particularly significant because it appears to acknowledge that his current season could represent the final chapter of his time with the Pretoria giants. At the same time, he stopped short of confirming that he has already decided to leave the club. His comments could therefore reflect the current situation surrounding his contract rather than a definitive announcement about his next destination. For Sundowns supporters, however, the possibility of losing one of the team’s most technically gifted players will naturally create uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Allende also stressed that his personal situation would not affect his commitment to the team. “I need to play; I will always give my 100%,” the midfielder explained, underlining his determination to contribute whenever he is selected. He added that he would continue supporting his teammates if he was not on the pitch because the collective success of Sundowns remains the most important consideration. That approach reflects the professional attitude he has maintained during his time at the club. Even with questions surrounding his future, Allende appears determined to ensure that his performances remain focused on helping Sundowns achieve their objectives.

The 26-year-old has developed into an important figure at Mamelodi Sundowns since arriving at Chloorkop. His technical ability, close control and creativity have made him a valuable option in the club’s midfield. Allende has made 74 appearances for Sundowns and scored seven goals, numbers that only tell part of his contribution to the team. His ability to operate between midfield and attack has allowed him to influence matches through his passing, movement and ability to create opportunities. His role has become particularly important in a Sundowns team that relies heavily on technical quality and intelligent movement to control matches.

His contribution also reached another level during Sundowns’ successful CAF Champions League campaign last season. The Pretoria club secured their second CAF Champions League title, adding another major continental achievement to an increasingly impressive period in their history. Allende played an important role during that run and became part of a squad that delivered success on both the domestic and international stage. Winning the continent’s biggest club competition represents one of the most significant achievements of his career to date. It also means that any potential departure would come after the midfielder had helped Sundowns reach one of their major ambitions.

The timing of the speculation is also important because Sundowns have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in African club football. The club has built a squad capable of competing for domestic trophies while also challenging against the continent’s strongest teams. Players who become central to that system can attract attention from clubs outside South Africa, particularly when they possess the technical qualities required to operate at a higher level. Allende’s performances have therefore naturally generated interest around his future. However, until there is an official agreement or announcement, speculation about his next move remains just that.

For Sundowns, keeping Allende beyond the current season would provide continuity in an important area of the squad. The midfielder understands the club’s playing philosophy and has already developed relationships with several teammates. Replacing a player with his technical profile would require careful planning, particularly if Sundowns continue competing across multiple competitions. The club’s recruitment department has consistently shown an ability to identify talented players, but maintaining squad stability remains valuable for a team chasing trophies. Allende’s current comments therefore place his future among the issues that Sundowns may need to address as the season develops.

For the player himself, the next stage of his career could represent a significant decision. At 26, Allende remains at an age where he could consider a new challenge while still having several productive years ahead of him. A move abroad could offer a different competitive environment and new opportunities, while remaining at Sundowns would allow him to continue playing for one of Africa’s most successful clubs. His current comments suggest that he is not allowing those possibilities to interfere with his responsibilities. Instead, he appears focused on performing for Sundowns and contributing to another successful season before making any decisions about what comes next.

The immediate focus will now shift back to the pitch, with Sundowns preparing to face Marumo Gallants and continue their Betway Premiership campaign. Allende’s availability and performance will be closely watched, particularly because every appearance could carry additional significance if this does turn out to be his final season in South Africa. The midfielder has made it clear that he wants to give everything to the club while he remains there. That commitment should reassure Sundowns supporters that speculation about his future will not prevent him from contributing to the team’s objectives. The possibility of an eventual departure remains open, but there is still an entire season for Allende to add to his legacy at Chloorkop.

Marcelo Allende’s comments have consequently created an intriguing situation for Mamelodi Sundowns and their supporters. He has not announced a transfer or confirmed that he will leave, but his description of the current campaign as his “last year” has inevitably increased speculation about his long-term future. What remains clear is that the Chilean remains committed to Sundowns’ immediate goals and intends to give his best whenever he is called upon. After helping the club achieve major domestic and continental success, Allende has already established a significant legacy in South African football. Whether this season becomes his farewell campaign or the beginning of another chapter at Chloorkop, his performances and future decision will remain an important storyline throughout the 2026/27 season.