South African attacker Aphelele Teto will be staying with Scottish Premiership side Livingston following the collapse of negotiations on a potential loan move to SuperSport United.
The Carlos Soccer Youth Development Academy graduate and former TS Galaxy completed a major move to the Scottish Premiership in July on the back of a meteoric rise in the topflight.
READ | Livingston unveil Teto but face transfer twist...
Teto spent barely a season in the TS Galaxy first team before his talent caught the eye of Livingston head coach David Martindale during The Rockets' mid-season European tour.
However, failure to secure a working permit meant Teto would not be able to play competitive matches at least until January when the window to apply for a permit will open.
It's understood the initial plan was send Teto on loan for until January with South Africa and North Africa seen a possible destination. SuperSport United were in pole position to land the 20-year-old, among other DStv Premiership teams.
He's here. ???? pic.twitter.com/e28ojDeq9t
— Livingston Football Club (@LiviFCOfficial) August 7, 2023
KickOff now has it on good authority that negotiations over a loan deal with Matsatsantsa dragged over several days and a mutual agreement could not be reached.
Livingston have since opted to keep Teto with the club until January, although he will not feature competitive at least until January. The period will be used to help Teto adjust to life in Scotland and familiarise himself with teammates.
In training, Teto has already earned the praise of his new coach. Martindale labelled the attacker as 'incredible – in all aspects of the game' as quoted by the West Lothian Courier in August.
"The more he (Teto) trains, the more frustrated I am he couldn't get a work permit.
"We played 9v9 and he was incredible in all aspects - with the ball, tackling, in the press - the guys honestly couldn't get the ball off him. Every training session I leave absolutely gutted that we can't play him."
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