Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau could realise his dream of featuring in the English Premier League (EPL) as early as next January, according to a report by The Athletic.
The 26-year-old joined Brighton and Hove Albion from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, but is yet to feature in a competitive match in the United Kingdom.
Hurdles delay Percy Tau’s EPL debut
He is now in his third consecutive loan spell in Belgium, where Club Brugge afforded him the opportunity to feature in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League, as well as the Europa League, coming up against former champions such as Real Madrid and Manchester United in the two respective tournaments. This was during a fruitful season with the Blue-Black, where he helped the club to domestic success.
Now at rivals RSC Anderlecht, managed by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, his stay at the one-time European champions could be cut short by several months.
The Athletic claims that Brighton inserted a January recall clause in his current loan contract, with fresh optimism that his long-standing work permit issues could be a thing of the past by then.
Brexit could aid Percy Tau
According to the publication, the Seagulls are holding out for amendments to regulations governing who can work in the UK when Brexit comes into full effect at the beginning of next year.
Tau secured a move to Brighton for a fee reported to be just above R50 million after a stellar season with Sundowns.
The transfer amount – which is regarded to be on the low side according to work permit criteria – along with South Africa’s standing in the Fifa ranking are two major factors delaying his long-awaited Premier League debut.
Working in his favour are his appearances in Europe’s elite competitions, as well as his involvement in the Bafana setup, where he has featured in more than the required 75% of the senior national team’s most recent fixtures.
No South African player has played in the Premier League since Sunderland released Steven Pienaar at the end of the 2016/17 season.
Other players within reach of featuring in the world’s most-followed football league include Leicester youth player Leshabela, as well as 17-year-old Kgaogelo Chauke, who recently signed his first professional contract with Southampton.