Just when fans thought pre-season was business as usual for Mamelodi Sundowns, star forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa threw a curveball.
The Brazilian striker suddenly left the team’s training camp in Rustenburg over the weekend — and now the rumour mill is spinning fast.
According to FARPost, Ribeiro didn’t just vanish.
He reportedly asked to leave the camp himself, as talks over a potential transfer reached a very advanced stage.
Sundowns Gearing Up Without Their Star Man
Sundowns are currently in Rustenburg, fine-tuning their strategy at the Royal Marang resort ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
They’re set to kick things off on Sunday evening in a big MTN8 quarter-final clash against Richards Bay FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium
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But Ribeiro’s sudden absence has cast a shadow over those preparations — and fans are wondering if they’ve already seen the last of him in yellow.
From Hero to Hot Property
Since joining the club in June 2023, Lucas Ribeiro has been a game-changer.
He’s been so good, in fact, that he’s a strong contender for the Footballer of the Year award.
Last season, he made 51 appearances and racked up a jaw-dropping 25 goal contributions, helping Sundowns clinch their eighth league title in a row.
With numbers like that, it’s no wonder clubs are lining up for him.
Club World Cup Star Sparks Transfer Frenzy
Ribeiro’s stock skyrocketed after his standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. One goal in particular — a stunning solo strike against Borussia Dortmund — was so good it ended up winning Goal of the Tournament.
That moment alone turned heads globally.
Scouts from France, Qatar, Belgium — even Brazil — took notice.
And now, Fluminense, one of Brazil’s most historic clubs, looks set to lead the race.
Fluminense Looking to Spend Big
Fluminense have money to spend after selling Colombian star Jhon Arias for a reported £15 million (around R350 million). That sale has cleared the way for them to make a serious move for Ribeiro.
Funny enough, Arias also caught attention at the Club World Cup before his big move — just like Ribeiro now.
It almost feels like history repeating itself.
A Transfer in Motion?
Ribeiro left the camp just a few days after Sundowns resumed training on July 21, following their Club World Cup journey.
The squad had returned to Chloorkop before setting up in Rustenburg — but Ribeiro’s early exit now seems like a clear sign.
Word is, negotiations for his transfer are already at an advanced stage.
The club’s decision to grant him time away might just be their way of acknowledging what’s coming.
Will He Play on Sunday?
One big question still hangs in the air — will Ribeiro be available for the MTN8 quarter-final this weekend?
Right now, that seems doubtful.
And if this really is the beginning of the end of his time at Sundowns, Sunday’s match could mark a turning point not just for Ribeiro, but for the club’s plans this season.