Lucas Ribeiro Costa linked with move to African giants | OneFootball

Ribeiro on the radar of African heavyweights

Photo: Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Former Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro Costa has emerged as a top target for Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic, Foot Africa can confirm.

The 27-year-old forward is currently in the books of Spanish second division outfit Cultural Leonesa after his acrimonious exit at Chloorkop on the back of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ribeiro was in-demand after impressing in the global showpiece and reportedly had offers from the Middle East, Turkey and his native Brazil.

However, Sundowns are said to have rebuffed offers for his services, prompting the player to terminate his contract citing the Diarra Law, with the intervention of FIFA.

As a result, he signed a short-term deal with Leonesa in September and it's set to expire in June 2026, making him eligible to sign a pre-contract with any club of his choice.

Now, according to a well-placed source close to the matter, Raja have officially opened talks with Ribeiro's entourage in a bid to lure him to Casablanca at the request of head coach Fadlu Davids.

The South African mentor is understood to be a huge admirer of Ribeiro, who has scored four goals and laid a solitary assist in 15 matches since completing a move to Spain.

It remains to be seen whether the Botola Pro heavyweights can conclude a deal as they face tough competition from teams in the Gulf region for the Brazilian's signature.