Mamelodi Sundowns Release Official Statement Amid Lucas Ribeiro Costa Exit Rumours
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa reportedly seeks to terminate his Sundowns contract amid summer transfer rumours
- Brazilian forward yet to feature this season, following a standout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup
- Mamelodi Sundowns have released a statement clarifying their stance on Ribeiro Costa’s future
Mamelodi Sundowns have clarified their position following reports that Lucas Ribeiro Costa intends to terminate his contract with the club.
The Brazilian star is reportedly seeking an exit from the Betway Premiership champions this summer, but Sundowns are not prepared to let him leave.
Ribeiro Costa has yet to feature for the club this season and appeared to hint at his situation in a recent social media post.
Source: Getty Images
The forward, whose contract runs until June 2028, is understood to be frustrated by what he perceives as the club’s reluctance to allow him a move abroad.
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Qatar SC and Fluminense are among the clubs reportedly interested, though Sundowns’ high transfer fee demands have complicated potential deals.
Ribeiro Costa’s profile on the international stage was boosted during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he won Goal of the Tournament for his strike against Borussia Dortmund, despite Sundowns failing to reach the knockout stages.
With key fixtures against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs approaching, transfer speculation continues to swirl. The Brazilian forward’s recent social media message appeared to signal his growing desire to secure a move.
The Brazilian took to his Instagram story to post the phrase "coming soon," which gives no direct explanation of what he's up to, whether it's getting a move away from the club or returning to the squad for their next games.
Source: Getty Images
In an official statement, Sundowns emphasised their commitment to ongoing dialogue with clubs interested in their players, stressing that negotiations are conducted with the interests of all parties in mind, including the club itself.
The club also noted that Ribeiro Costa is not alone in seeking opportunities overseas, highlighting their awareness of players’ ambitions while balancing the club’s long-term plans.
Sundowns face another player problem of Themba Zwane
Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt a major blow with the latest injury to their midfield talisman, who is expected to be sidelined for several months.
The Betway Premiership champions, who had a slow start to their title defence, managed a 2-0 win over Magesi on Wednesday, 20 August, but will unfortunately be without one of their key players until November.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso provided an update after the match, revealing that the team’s captain, Themba Zwane, who was forced off with an injury during the MTN8 first-leg semi-final against Orlando Pirates last week, will be miss several months due to an injury. He was absent from the squad that faced Magesi.
Cardoso explains why Ribeiro, Shalulile, & Mudau missed Bay's tie
Briefly News previously reported that Miguel Cardoso gave an update on the reason Ribeiro, alongside Peter Shalulile and Mudau missed Richards Bay's clash in the MTN8.
The Portuguese tactician had three key players missing the game but still ended up thrashing the Natal Rich Boys.
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Source: Briefly News
