Nwabali’s R30m price tag hampers Kaizer Chiefs’ deal

Five-time South African Premier Soccer League champions, Kaizer Chiefs, are being pushed away by the hefty R30m (approximately £1.3m) price tag of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, according to reports in South Africa.

Nwabali has been a subject of transfer since his heroics at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept four clean sheets and narrowly missed out on the Golden Glove to South African goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, as Nigeria lost the final to Ivory Coast.

While he has been linked with moves in Europe and Saudi Arabia, local rivals Chiefs are also said to be eyeing the Chippa United keeper but are scared away by his price tag.

“Kaizer Chiefs, once showing strong interest in Nwabali, are rumoured to have stepped back from any potential deal due to his hefty R30 million price tag. However, if Amakhosi are genuinely committed to reshaping their fortunes and bolstering their squad with notable talent, they should consider investing in players like Nwabali, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Itumeleng Khune’s future,” Goal.com writer, Celine Abrahams, noted.

“In this light, if the price tag is too high, maybe adding a player or two to the negotiation could be a strategic move for Chiefs to win over Chippa.”

Chiefs’ stance might be made more difficult as they have eight players whose contracts will also run out at the end of the season.

Nwabali is tied to Chippa United until 2026 and the Chilli Boys owner, Siviwe Mpengesi, has openly discussed ongoing talks, particularly with international clubs, regarding their goalkeeper.

Mpengesi also previously confirmed the club’s willingness to consider offers from Premier Soccer League teams, stating they wouldn’t obstruct Nwabali’s departure if the offers were enticing enough.

The 27-year-old is also linked with Queens Park Rangers in England, Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.

This season, the goalkeeper has kept 10 clean sheets in 22 PSL appearances.