Qatar And Fluminense Show Interest In Costa
Qatari club Qatar SC and Brazilian side Fluminense are among the clubs that have expressed interest in Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa, following his exceptional performance last season.
According to Farpost, Costa recently departed Sundowns’ pre-season camp in Rustenburg to finalize a potential move away from the club.
Meanwhile, Sportswire suggests that Qatar SC, where former Sundowns attacker Percy Tau had a brief stint last season, is keen on acquiring the Brazilian star. Fluminense has also shown interest in the forward, who is nominated for multiple PSL awards set to be announced on Tuesday night.
Costa is a strong favorite to win both the PSL Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards. His talent captured global attention during the FIFA Club World Cup with Sundowns. He scored a brilliant solo goal against Borussia Dortmund in the second group stage match, receiving the ball at the center circle, dribbling past several defenders, and slotting it into the net.
This stunning strike was named the goal of the tournament, despite Sundowns’ failure to reach the knockout stages.
Costa was also instrumental in setting up Iqraam Rayners’ winning goal in the opening FIFA Club World Cup group stage match against Ulsan HD, delivering a defense-splitting pass that led to the former Stellies striker’s finish.
In their final group stage match against Fluminense, Sundowns dominated possession but couldn’t convert their opportunities into goals, resulting in a goalless draw.
Fluminense advanced to the next round before losing to eventual winners Chelsea in the semi-final. Fluminense is looking for attacking reinforcements after selling Jhon Arias, one of their star players from the Club World Cup, to Wolves in the English Premier League.
Costa, born in Santa Helena, joined Sundowns in July 2023 from Belgian side SK Beveren on a contract until 2028.
He had an incredibly productive season, featuring in 51 matches across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists last term.
One of those came against Pyramids in the CAF Champions League first leg final, before losing in the second leg on away goals rule.
With 16 league goals, he is assured of claiming the PSL Golden Boot award at Tuesday night’s ceremony.
