Lucas Ribeiro reveals Fluminense offer, explains why deal fell through

In partnership with

Saudações Tricolores.com

·25 November 2025

Lucas Ribeiro reveals Fluminense offer, explains why deal fell through

One of the highlights of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Club World Cup, midfielder Lucas Ribeiro was targeted by Fluminense during the mid-season transfer window, after the competition. In an interview with journalist Fellipe Perdigão from the portal 365Scores, the Brazilian revealed that he received an offer from the tricolor and explained why the negotiation did not occur.

“I had some contacts with the president of Fluminense (Mário Bittencourt) and some players who played for the club. My issue was that Sundowns was in a very difficult situation to let me go. At no point did the club come and talk about the proposals they had for us,” said the Brazilian. “I was very happy with Fluminense's offer, a very big club, it would be a pleasure to wear that jersey, but it ended up not happening due to the situation.” “Everyone knows that my dream was to return to Brazil. At the time, I almost couldn't believe that Fluminense had contacted me. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, I hope there might be another opportunity.”

Due to this situation with the South African club, Lucas Ribeiro terminated his contract with Mamelodi and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the FIFA Tribunal. While the process is ongoing, the player is playing for Cultural Leonesa, in the second division of Spain, with a contract until June 2026.