Belgian Journalist Rules Out January Move for Mofokeng

Relebohile Mofokeng is not leaving Union Saint-Gilloise in the January transfer window. Belgian journalist Tjorven Messiaen, who covers the club closely, has made that clear while addressing growing transfer speculation around the South African star.

Mofokeng joined Union from Orlando Pirates in July 2026 for a reported fee of around €3.5 million. He signed a long-term contract running until 2030. In just a few months the 22-year-old has become an important player, delivering goals and assists while adapting quickly to Belgian football and European competition.

His strong performances have attracted attention. Reports have linked him with clubs including Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. Some outlets have even spoken of possible offers in the region of €15 million. Messiaen says there is some truth to the idea that bigger clubs are monitoring the talented attacker. It makes sense given his form, age and potential. However, he stresses that Union has received no formal bids or concrete approaches at this stage.

Importantly, Messiaen highlighted Union’s well-known approach to the transfer market. The club simply does not sell key players in January. Their model focuses on patient development and bigger moves in the summer window when the timing suits them better. Selling a standout performer midway through a campaign, especially while competing in Europe, is not something the club does.

Mofokeng has impressed coaches and teammates with his intelligence, timing, and ability to create space and improve those around him. Injuries in the squad helped him gain more minutes early on, but his quality has kept him in the starting plans. After only four months in Belgium, a January exit would be extremely unlikely.

For now, the focus remains on the pitch. Mofokeng continues to grow at Union, contribute in the Belgian league and Europa League, and represent Bafana Bafana. Any future move to a bigger club will almost certainly come later, on Union’s terms, rather than in the coming winter window.

South African fans can enjoy watching their star develop in Europe without the pressure of an imminent departure.

https://x.com/soccerbeatza/status/2121162714437337151?s=46

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