Latest: Cassius Mailula to Wydad ‘almost done’

Despite the Morocco giants yet to have their FIFA transfer ban lifted, it’s understood talks have advanced between Wydad and Toronto FC in the Major League Soccer regarding Mailula switching to the Botola Pro League for the 2024/25 season.

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The 23-year-old transferred to the USA a little over 12 months ago following a reported R30-million offer to his then club Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mokwena was the Sundowns head coach at the time until parting ways with The Brazilians in June – a move that came as a huge shock to the football fraternity, paving the way for him to join Wydad on a three-year contract.

The pursuit of Mailula comes as no surprise given the coach admitted to trying to discourage the forward from joining Toronto in the first place, where the Bafana Bafana international has only managed less than 10 official appearances in the MLS.

Mailula had a remarkable record prior to moving, having scored 15 goals in 31 games for Sundowns and forcing his way into the national team.

But his decision to join Toronto led to him losing out on his place in the team and ultimately missing the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

The public broadcaster has been informed that the deal with Wydad is “95 percent almost done” with the two clubs set to agree a loan with an option for the Morocco giants to buyout Mailula from his contract.

His current agreement with Toronto runs until December 2026.