Mexico and South Africa get their World Cup campaigns underway on Thursday night and Leeds United supporters may recognise two names on the teamsheet.
Santiago Gimenez and Khuliso Mudau have both been linked with moves to Elland Road in recent years, and their inclusion on football’s biggest stage highlights why they attracted attention from Daniel Farke.
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Leeds have been credited with interest in both Santiago Gimenez and Khuliso Mudau, despite occupying opposite ends of the pitch. Gimenez is an established centre-forward playing at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Mudau has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most dependable defenders. Their paths have been very different, but both have now earned a place at the World Cup.
Santiago Gimenez has become one of Mexico’s leading stars
The AC Milan striker first emerged at Cruz Azul before making a move to Feyenoord, where he developed into one of the Eredivisie’s most prolific goalscorers.
During his time in Rotterdam, Gimenez scored 65 goals and helped Feyenoord win the Eredivisie title, KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield, performances that eventually earned him a move to Serie A.
Now valued at around €18m, the 25-year-old arrives at the World Cup as one of Mexico’s most recognisable attacking players. His international experience also stands out, with 47 Mexico caps.
His place in Mexico’s World Cup squad was never likely to be in doubt given his pedigree, goalscoring record and experience across Liga MX, the Eredivisie and Serie A.
Those qualities also help explain why Leeds were linked with him. Proven goalscorers with international experience are difficult to find, particularly ones entering what should be the prime years of their career.
Khuliso Mudau’s journey to football’s biggest stage is different
While Gimenez built his reputation in Europe, Khuliso Mudau climbed through the South African football pyramid before establishing himself at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The right-back previously represented Magesi and Black Leopards before earning a chance at Sundowns, where he has become a key figure for one of Africa’s strongest clubs. His rise is built on consistency.
According to his career record, Mudau has won multiple domestic league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and developed into a regular international for Bafana Bafana.
The 31-year-old has accumulated more than 30 games for South Africa and heads into the tournament as one of the country’s most experienced defenders. He is currently valued at around €1.2m.
Performance data also shows he remains one of Sundowns’ most consistent defensive performers, helping explain why he continues to feature prominently for both club and country.
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Their World Cup selections underline what Leeds often value
Gimenez and Mudau are separated by age, position, profile and transfer value, but they share several traits that regularly appeal to clubs operating in the transfer market.
Both are established internationals. Both have experience competing for trophies. Both arrive at the World Cup having earned selection through sustained performances rather than potential alone.
As Mexico and South Africa prepare to face one another, Leeds supporters have an opportunity to watch two players who once appeared on the club’s radar. Whether they ever resurface is another matter.
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