Mamelodi Sundowns have opened talks over a surprise return for Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, with the ongoing FIFA contractual dispute making a reunion at Chloorkop increasingly likely.
FARPost has learnt that Sundowns have initiated discussions with Ribeiro’s representatives following fresh developments in the long-running legal matter between the player and the club.
The 27-year-old is a free agent following his departure from Spanish second-tier side Cultural Leonesa after their relegation from LaLiga 2.
Sources with knowledge of the matter say the unresolved FIFA case has complicated Ribeiro’s prospects of joining another club, prompting Sundowns to explore bringing him back. The Brazilian severed ties with the Tshwane giants after invoking just cause, claiming the club had persistently stood in the way of legitimate overseas transfer prospects.
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Although FIFA granted Ribeiro provisional registration, allowing him to continue his career while the dispute remained under review, the substantive case remains unresolved. Sundowns are understood to remain confident of a favourable outcome and have now begun exploring whether a return is possible while the matter remains unresolved.
The legal uncertainty has also affected interest from elsewhere. Libyan giants Al Ittihad Tripoli had been among the clubs pursuing Ribeiro’s signature after his exit from Spain. However, sources indicate that the Rulani Mokwena-coached club has sought clarity on the player’s legal status before advancing negotiations.
There remains a belief that, depending on FIFA’s final ruling, Ribeiro could be ordered to return to Sundowns, pay compensation, or face other sanctions if the tribunal finds in the club’s favour.
That uncertainty has effectively strengthened Sundowns’ position, with a return to Chloorkop now seen as the most straightforward solution while the legal process runs its course.
Discussions remain at an early stage, and no agreement has been reached. However, a reunion that once seemed almost impossible is now firmly back on the table as both sides assess their options.
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