Kaizer Chiefs have been linked with former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro but the big question remains: will the Soweto giants pursue the Brazilian attacker?
The 27-year-old joined Spanish second-tier side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa earlier this season, but has struggled to make a significant impact.
Reports suggest Ribeiro could become a free agent at the end of the campaign, potentially opening the door for interested clubs.
SoccerBeat owner and former South African professional footballer Peter du Toit believes Kaizer Chiefs should act decisively and secure Ribeiro’s signature.
“He’s a player I believe is a marquee signing waiting to happen. Lucas Ribeiro could be free at the end of the season, and Kaizer Chiefs should take a bold step and bring him in,” he said.
“It would lift the entire fan base, show real intent, and he would obviously improve the team. The current players would benefit from having someone like him, and he can give you 10 to 12 goals a season.”
Kaizer Chiefs urged to go for Ribeiro
Ribeiro’s recent career has not been without controversy. In August 2025, he terminated his contract with Sundowns and escalated the matter to FIFA in a bid to secure his release. A month later, he completed a move to Leonesa.
However, former Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela has cast doubt over the potential transfer, suggesting the forward’s ambitions lie elsewhere.
“I don’t think he went through all that just to come back after one season,” Masilela said.
“The way he left Sundowns, going to FIFA and forcing a move, suggests he wants to break into a bigger league. I believe his plan was to use that move as a stepping stone to a top European league and possibly the Brazilian national team.”
“We would all like to see him (Ribeiro) at Kaizer Chiefs, but realistically, I don’t see it happening unless they offer him crazy money, because money talks.”
In addition to Kaizer Chiefs, Ribeiro has also been linked with North African giants Espérance de Tunis.