Lucas Ribeiro Costa Faces Strong Brazilian Pull Amid Transfer Offers to Leave Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa is at the centre of intense transfer speculation as the 26-year-old Brazilian finds himself under mounting pressure to return home, with heavy interest from Fluminense and another undisclosed club in Qatar.

Ribeiro has enjoyed a highly successful stint in South Africa, establishing himself as one of the most formidable players in the Premier Soccer League. His contributions over the past two seasons include an impressive 60 goal involvements in just 88 matches. His achievements culminated in a spectacular 2024/25 season that saw him sweep nearly every major individual award — PSL Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Top Goal Scorer, and Goal of the Season.

He also made his mark on the international stage during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored a breathtaking goal that was later voted the best of the tournament. That moment significantly raised his global profile and added weight to the interest he’s now receiving from major clubs.

According to sources close to the player, the most persuasive bid has come from Brazil’s Fluminense, and the lure of returning home is proving difficult to resist.

Freitas Camilo, a former Orlando Pirates player who now works as a scout and analyst, confirmed the growing influence surrounding Ribeiro’s possible return to Brazil.

“The ball is in Sundowns’ hands in deciding what to do next, but what I know is that it is difficult to resist the temptation of coming back to Brazil,” said Camilo.

“This guy has always dreamt of playing in the Brazilian Serie A and now has the chance. Does he just turn it down like that? I say no.”

Camilo revealed that there is significant emotional and professional pressure on Ribeiro, coming not just from Fluminense, but also from his inner circle.

“These are temptations way too difficult to resist. He is Brazilian and is not with a top European club, so since there is interest from Fluminense, he needs no second thoughts.”

“Family, friends, and even former teammates have all played a role. The influence is huge — they are all pushing for him to come back.”

Beyond the emotional pull, Camilo emphasized the potential career benefits of joining a club like Fluminense. He believes returning home could put Ribeiro on the path to a national team call-up.

“Based on what he showed at the Club World Cup, they will make him the wonderful promise of possibly wearing the Brazil jersey. His game will keep growing here at home, he will earn good money and be competing at a higher level.”

“Fluminense is a massive team and will offer him the best of the world while at home.”

With the transfer window still open, all eyes are now on Sundowns to make a decision. While the club may be reluctant to part with a player who has been central to their recent success, the growing tide of personal and professional incentives for Ribeiro may ultimately be too powerful to ignore.