The 22-year-old is a defensive midfielder who has had a string of loans in recent seasons, having not managed to nail down a first-team place in Lisbon. Though born in Argentina, he is of Italian descent and holds dual nationality.
He was developed through the youth academy of Argentine side Rosario Central and made his first-team debut in 2021 at the age of 17.
He spent two years at the club, making 35 appearances, before a free transfer to Sporting, though his release clause was set at €60 million, such was the high regard the club had for him. His contract runs to 2027.
But it is fair to say that things have not really worked out. He has made just 14 appearances for the first team at Sporting in three years and last term ended up in their reserve side.
He had a season-long loan at Danish side FC Copenhagen but made a single appearance before that was cut short and he instead joined Rio Ave in Portugal.
He made 12 appearances there but, for the 2024/25 season, was sent to Cypriot side Pafos. He managed to see out the season and made another 28 appearances, scoring his first two professional goals.
Tanlongo was capped at Under-20 level by Argentina, but looks a player who has yet to fulfil the potential that was once seemingly there.
He does not fit the profile of recent Sundowns signings from abroad, who have generally been first-team regulars at their clubs before joining.
Given he would take up a foreign player spot, he could be a replacement for Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho, who did not quite hit his straps last season.
Or there has been talk that Marcelo Allende could be on his way out of Chloorkop.
We wait to see if the deal for Tanlongo will be completed, but clearly there is interest in the player.
