Argentine side Atlético Talleres have reportedly made a decision about the future of Matías Esquivel, the Mamelodi Sundowns loanee who has spent the current season with the Argentine club. The highly anticipated announcement follows months of speculation over the midfielder’s future as his loan spell with the Córdoba-based side nears its end.
Esquivel, 23, joined Atlético Talleres on loan from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024 after failing to secure a regular spot in the first team at the PSL champions. The Argentine player, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his previous seasons with the Pretoria-based club, was seen as a promising talent by Talleres, with hopes that the move would offer him more playing time and the opportunity to develop further.
However, as the season progressed, questions began to arise about whether Esquivel could maintain a consistent place in the starting lineup for Atlético Talleres. Despite his potential, his performances have been somewhat inconsistent, which has led to concerns over his long-term viability at the club. These concerns, coupled with the complexities of his loan arrangement and his future with Mamelodi Sundowns, created an air of uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.
According to sources close to the club, Atlético Talleres has now reached a decision regarding Esquivel’s future. The club has reportedly opted not to make the move permanent, signaling the end of the midfielder’s stint in Córdoba. While the precise details behind the decision remain somewhat unclear, insiders suggest that the club’s management has decided to look elsewhere for reinforcements in midfield for the upcoming season.
One of the main factors behind this decision seems to be Esquivel’s struggle to secure a starting role in Talleres’ competitive squad. While the Argentine club has experienced mixed results this season, Esquivel’s inconsistency on the pitch, alongside the emergence of other players in the midfield, appears to have led to the decision to part ways with the loanee.
The player’s technical ability, vision, and creativity were among the qualities that attracted Atlético Talleres to him in the first place, but reports indicate that his adaptation to the high-paced, physical nature of Argentine football was slower than expected. With the club’s sporting project focused on improving the squad’s balance and consistency, they have decided to move on from the former Argentina U-20 international.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, this development raises further questions about Esquivel’s future with the club. While he remains under contract with Sundowns, his lack of game time at both the South African club and Atlético Talleres could impact his long-term prospects with the PSL giants. Given Sundowns’ reputation for signing high-quality players and maintaining a deep, competitive squad, it seems unlikely that Esquivel will immediately slot into the first team once he returns from his loan.
Mamelodi Sundowns may now look for another potential loan move for Esquivel or explore permanent transfer options should the player and the club mutually agree that parting ways is the best course of action. The player has been linked with several clubs in both Argentina and Europe in recent months, with teams interested in his talents but cautious about his lack of consistent first-team experience.
Despite the setbacks, Esquivel’s career is still considered promising, and the 23-year-old will likely have opportunities to showcase his skills in the coming seasons. He will certainly be eager to prove himself in a more consistent role, whether that be in Argentina, South Africa, or potentially elsewhere in Europe.
The future of Matías Esquivel remains uncertain, but it seems clear that his time with Atlético Talleres will come to an end in the near future. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Mamelodi Sundowns and Esquivel’s next move, with both the player and his parent club likely considering a fresh start as the 2024/25 season draws closer.
