Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa was a notable absentee for their season opener, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Season poised to leave the club.
Costa, 26, scooped the most coveted individual accolade at the 2025 PSL awards, along with the Players’ Player of the Season, Golden Boot and the Goal of the Season.
He also won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament, for his solo-effort against Borussia Dortmund which shone the light on his obvious ability, on the global stage.
Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense, who ousted Sundowns in their group, and reached the semi-finals of the competition, opened talks with Masandawana as they aim to replace Jhon Arias – who was sold to Premier League side Wolverhampton for €17-million (R353m) but it’s been suggested the player is leaning more to the Qatari Stars League at present.
Qatar SC have tabled an official offer for his services and sources have confirmed that the salary package on offer from the Gulf, is something that cannot be met by a potential return to his homeland. There’s also been mention of Al Duhail in recent weeks, it’s been suggested the former are the ones really pushing to make the deal happen.
It remains to be seen whether the deal will materialise, as Costa has made it clear he wants a new challenge, after scoring 37 goals with 23 assists in 88 games for the club, since his arrival from Belgian club SK Beveren in 2023.
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