Are Mamelodi Sundowns set to start the new PSL season without influential figure Lucas Ribeiro Costa? Is an exit looming for the Brazilian attacker? The Siya crew investigates.
As reported by Soccer Laduma last week, Ribeiro has offers on the table from different parts of the world, including his country Brazil, Europe and the Middle East.
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As someone who is still contracted to Sundowns, Ribeiro had to return for pre-season to train with the team while his next move was being finalised. It appears he is now closer to making an exit after two successful seasons with the Tshwane giants.
Percy Tau's former club, Qatar SC, are believed to be interested in the Brazilian attacker who was a star performer for Sundowns at the FIFA Club World Cup, where his goal against Borussia Dortmund was voted for by fans as goal of the tournament.
Indications are that there has also been serious interest from a top club in his home country as well.
Soccer Laduma also reported that there has been interest from North Africa in the 26-year-old, but Sundowns are not willing to sell to a CAF Champions League rival.
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As things stand, Sundowns are preparing to officially let the player go as they do not want to stand in the way of taking his career to the next level. While it's unclear to Soccer Laduma at this stage where the player is heading to, it's understood that Ribeiro is preparing to leave the country to start his next chapter.
The PSL awards, meanwhile, will be held on Tuesday night and Ribeiro is expected to claim the PSL Footballer of the Season award, after an impressive campaign he had with the Tshwane giants last term.
