Mamelodi Sundowns have released an official statement on star forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has requested for contract termination as first reported by iDiski Times.
Costa, 26, has requested to leave the club amidst agreeing personal terms with Qatar SC, where he was poised to secure a lucrative contract after an exceptional two-year spell with Sundowns.
However, with his contract running until 2028, the club would need to agree to a transfer fee with Masandawana – which has not materialised, with the Brazilian now aiming to force the move via the FIFA Tribunal, as reported by iDiski Times earlier on Thursday.
In an official statement from the club, which doesn’t mention any player by name, Masandawana stated they are committed to the development and growth of all their players – with transfer sagas playing out with several players.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquiries, particularly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players,” the club stated.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the Club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties.”
Read the complete statement below:
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ SUCCESS IS BASED ON ITS DEEP COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CLUB’S PLAYERS
“The success and achievements of Mamelodi Sundowns over the past two decades has been based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the Club’s players.
“Sundowns has made significant investments in its youth academies and in developing and training boys and girls football players, to represent the Club, the South African and other National Teams in competitions on the the African Continent and globally.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has also made substantial investments over the years in recruiting, training and acquiring the services of some of the best South African, African and South American football players.
“It has always been the policy and commitment of Mamelodi Sundowns to engage and negotiate with football clubs in Africa and worldwide, that are interested in recruiting and acquiring the services of the Club’s players.
“The objective of Sundowns in these discussions and negotiations has always been to advance the interests of the player and the Club and to be fair and just, and to contribute to the fulfilment of the interests of all parties.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquiries, particularly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the Club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties.
“The players, Technical Team, management, Board and the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe, are all motivated and inspired to compete and succeed in all competitions in South Africa and on the African Continent.”
Khuliso Mudau, Peter Shalulile, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Thapelo Maseko and Costa are among the players currently involved in contract stand-offs and issuing transfer requests.
