Mamelodi Sundowns might have a big battle on their hands to keep playmaker Lucas Ribeiro who is attracting interest from five clubs across Asia, Europe and South America.
Ribeiro had an impressive season in the PSL, scoring 16 goals to win the Golden Boot award, as Sundowns won an eighth straight league title but took it a notch higher at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 26-year-old Brazilian was one of the standout performers at the group stages as he scored one goal and provided an assist, playing a key part in Sundowns’ good displays even though they did not make it to the knockout rounds.
His display did not just win him fans but suitors in the form of clubs with concrete interest now emerging from the Middle East, Europe and South America.
Which clubs are salivating at Ribeiro?
According to KickOff, Qatari outlet Alarab reports that Qatar SC, who were home to Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau from January to May, are interested in the player.
Meanwhile, Turkish giants Trabzonspor, French second tier side Saint-Etienne, Fluminense, who Sundowns played at the Club World Cup, and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a second-tier club in Brazil, are also interested in him.
Ribeiro is the favourite to clinch the PSL Player of the Season award after his stellar season but it remains to be seen if any of the interested clubs will table a concrete offer.
The player, who is valued at €2.5 million (R52 million) as per Transfermarkt, has three years remaining on his contract and interested clubs would have to pay a massive fee to persuade Sundowns into selling their best player.
