South African football icon Lucas Radebe believes Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau is one step closer to playing in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has completed a season-long loan move to Anderlecht from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Jupiler Pro League giants confirmed Tau’s arrival last Wednesday on a season-long loan deal for the 2020-21 season, extending his stay in Belgium for a third consecutive season.

Tau has already enjoyed spells with Royale Union Saint-Gillioise and Club Brugge over the past two years in Belgium.

However, Radebe believes Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany is the right person to push Tau to the next level in his career.

‘He must be patient and let it not [club hopping] cloud his mind. Percy has character and he has proved during his time in Belgium that he can adapt to a foreign environment,’ Radebe told City Press.

‘I think he’s close to going to the Premier League. This is the season where he needs to focus and push for regular game time. Obviously, the rules are tough for foreign players to be granted a work permit in a country such as England.

‘One other key aspect is the rankings of a national team and, Bafana are ranked low, there’s definitely going to be a little bit of doubt. Tau is an investment and this has been supported by the fact that there are always suitors lining up to sign him whenever his loan deal ends.

‘At Anderlecht, he is with the right person in Vincent Kompany, who will definitely recommend him highly in the Premiership. So, I think Percy is very close to a move to England and hopefully, this is the season it happens.’