A high-profile contract standoff that has dominated headlines at Mamelodi Sundowns appears to be reaching a conclusion, as the Siya crew investigates the latest on the situation.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has been absent from Sundowns while being linked to overseas clubs, will soon learn about his path forward following developments at the club. Other players, such as Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile who were also reportedly attracting clubs abroad, have since returned to training at Masandawana.
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The reported dispute between Sundowns and their Brazilian forward Ribeiro Costa, who wanted to leave the club, is expected to receive an update soon.
An insider close to the club who is privy to reliable information has indicated that after Mudau's return to the team, the Brazilians are now expecting Ribeiro Costa back too.
The insider added that Ribeiro Costa, who was linked to teams in the Middle East as well as his home country, is expected to rejoin the rest of the Sundowns squad soon.
Last week Sundowns had released a statement concerning the transfer situation of a few players at the club, including Ribeiro Costa. The Brazilians are standing strong, hoping that the key players will return to the team in what will be another long season ahead.
With a shorter pre-season, due to participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, the reintroduction of top players at a later stage could give the team a boost. Though, at the moment the club is looking to restore the confidence and commitment levels in the squad, particularly after getting knocked out of the MTN8 in the semi-finals.
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Last season, Ribeiro Costa won the top goalscorer award as well as the Player of the Season award, so it is obvious how crucial he is to the club's ambitions of winning honours locally and in Africa.
Ribeiro's potential return would represent a significant victory for Sundowns' management in their battle to retain star players, particularly given his status as the league's top performer.
The 26-year-old had joined Sundowns from Belgian side SK Beveren on a five-year contract which is expected to expire in June 2028.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment on the situation, but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
