Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro has sparked transfer speculation after eagle-eyed fans noticed that he recently started following several Kaizer Chiefs players on social media.
The activity has excited sections of the Amakhosi fanbase, with some supporters interpreting it as a possible hint that the Brazilian could be considering a move to Naturena.
Ribeiro is currently a free agent after parting ways with Spanish club Cultural Leonesa. The 27-year-old is back in his native Brazil as he weighs up his next move, with a return to the Premier Soccer League remaining a possibility.
Ironically, that return could even be with his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ribeiro’s departure from Masandawana last year was far from straightforward. Despite scoring an impressive 30 goals in 55 appearances, Sundowns terminated his contract, which had been due to run until 2028.
Lucas Ribeiro to Chiefs but…
The club challenged Ribeiro’s exit through legal channels, but FIFA upheld the player’s contract termination, allowing him to complete his move to Cultural Leonesa.
This week, iDiski Times reported that a return to Sundowns has not been ruled out. According to the report, Ribeiro is open to rejoining the Tshwane giants amid the uncertainty surrounding his future following his departure from the Spanish side.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Ribeiro has recently followed several Kaizer Chiefs players on social media, including Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Luke Baartman, Lebohang Maboe, Bradley Cross and Khanyiso Mayo.
The development has sent social media into overdrive.
One Chiefs supporter, @Ta_Size_, posted:
“The meltdown that’s gonna happen on the TL when Kaizer Chiefs announce Lucas Ribeiro.”
Meanwhile, Sundowns supporters remain divided over the prospect of the Brazilian returning to Chloorkop. While many would welcome him back, others are less convinced.
@WonderMahlobo wrote:
“I’m serious. The Lucas Ribeiro signing will move me. I see people excited about Ndlovu but Mina I’m genuinely not that moved by him. We sign him that’s fine and if we don’t that’s also fine.”
Another supporter, @ree_lebenya, added:
“Lucas Ribeiro returning to Mamelodi Sundowns would be a huge spit to South African football.”
For now, Ribeiro’s next destination remains uncertain, but his recent social media activity has ensured that both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters will be watching his next move closely.
