Lucas Ribeiro set for shock switch to Spanish second division strugglers
Off to Spain? Having announced his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns on social media, Lucas Ribeiro is reportedly close to signing for Spanish second division side Cultural Leonesa. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro has eyes on his next move after making an emotional farewell to Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday night.
While Sundowns remain silent on the matter, the 26-year-old penned a lengthy post on social media to confirm his departure from the club. This came after he requested Sundowns end his contract, while also taking the matter to FIFA.
“From the very first day I arrived, I gave my all, on and off the field, to earn my place and proudly defend Mamelodi Sundowns,” Ribeiro said in his Instagram post.
“These past two years have been incredible, full of emotions. I have learned so much from this beautiful culture, not only to become a better player, but also a better human being.”
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The player has been linked with a move to Qatari side Qatar SC ever since playing a key role for Sundowns at the recent FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. However, it has now been reported that Spanish Segunda División side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa lead the race to secure his services.
KickOff report that negotiations between the player and the recently promoted Spanish second division club are at an advanced stage.
Cultural Leonesa, as the club are known, currently find themselves at the bottom of Spanish second tier with three losses and a draw from their four games.
Ribeiro’s departure is notable as he swaps a top South African club competing in the CAF Champions League for a team languishing at the bottom of Spain’s Segunda División, a stark contrast that underscores the unusual turn in his career.
IOL Sport