Lucas Ribeiro wanted by Esperance as Sundowns case drags on

The Brazilian has attracted no shortage of interest since becoming a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Spanish side Cultural Leonesa, who were relegated at the end of the 2025/26 season.

However, Ribeiro's future remains complicated by a pending FIFA tribunal involving Sundowns. The Tshwane club are awaiting a ruling after the forward left Chloorkop last year, claiming they had blocked lucrative offers following his standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The public broadcaster has now established that Esperance have joined Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad Tripoli in the race for the 27-year-old's signature.

It is understood Ribeiro had already agreed personal terms with Al-Ittihad and was prepared to reunite with former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, with the move dependent on the outcome of the FIFA case.

There remains no official timeline for a verdict, leaving Ribeiro's next move in limbo and the decision could clear the way for a transfer to either Espérance or Al-Ittihad, or potentially compel the player to return to Sundowns and honour the remainder of his contract if he is not only ordered to pay compensation. 

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Ribeiro arrived in the Premier Soccer League three seasons ago and quickly established himself as one of Sundowns' most influential players. 

After being crowned Footballer of the Season and impressing against Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Flamengo at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian argued he was being denied the opportunity to further his career abroad.

Although he was able to join Cultural Leonesa, clubs pursuing his signature remain cautious of becoming entangled in the ongoing legal dispute.

For now, both Espérance and Al-Ittihad remain firmly in the picture, with the Libyan side already having met the player's personal demands while they await FIFA's ruling.