French Giants Lille Join Race for Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa
After reported interest from English Championship side Burnley FC, Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has now caught the attention of a top French Ligue 1 side. LOSC Lille have inquired about the Brazilian striker, signaling strong European interest in the 25-year-old attacker.
Insiders close to Sundowns have revealed that representatives from Lille have made contact regarding Ribeiro Costa’s availability. The French club, who were recently eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 by Borussia Dortmund (3-2 on aggregate), are looking to bolster their attacking options as they push for a strong finish in Ligue 1. Lille currently sit in sixth place and remain in contention for European qualification.
Sundowns Await Formal Offers Amid Growing Interest
Sources suggest that Lille is not the only European club monitoring Ribeiro Costa, as multiple teams have shown interest in the forward. However, Sundowns have yet to make a decision on whether they will entertain offers for their star player, who remains crucial to their ambitions this season.
“This is new interest. Lille representatives have made serious inquiries about Ribeiro. The club cannot ignore this, but there are also other teams that have shown interest before. Sundowns are waiting to hear from all parties before making a decision,” an insider revealed.
Planning for Life After Ribeiro Costa
A second source indicated that Sundowns are already considering their options should Ribeiro Costa depart in the next transfer window. The club is preparing for the potential exit of not just Ribeiro, but also key strikers Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners, both of whom have also attracted interest from abroad.
“Sundowns won’t wait until next season to start looking for replacements. That’s why players like Arthur Sales and young talents from the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge) squad are being closely monitored. They are capable of stepping up if any of the current strikers leave,” the source stated.
Leading the Scoring Charts
Ribeiro Costa has been in outstanding form this season, leading the PSL scoring charts with 13 goals in 21 appearances. He is four goals ahead of his teammate Rayners and is the frontrunner for several individual accolades at the end of the campaign. His goal-scoring exploits have only increased his value in the transfer market, making it likely that Sundowns will receive multiple offers during the next window.
While the possibility of his departure looms, Sundowns would ideally like to keep Ribeiro Costa, particularly as they prepare for their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Whether the Brazilian will still be wearing the Masandawana colors next season remains to be seen, but with growing European interest, Sundowns may have a tough decision to make in the coming months.
