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Matheusinho, Sport Recife, August 2025Sport Recife
Kiplagat Sang

Brazilian Serie A club Sport Recife break silence on Mamelodi Sundowns' attempts to sign their star player Matheusinho

Masandawana have been heavily linked with the forward as they hope to get him to replace Lucas Ribeiro. It is understood that Downs recently placed an improved offer for the playmaker as they push to see whether they could get a deal over the line. But now it appears that will not be possible as the Brazilian side dig in.

  • Matheusinho, Sport Recife, August 2025Sport Recife

    For sale or not?

    Brazilian side Sport Recife has responded to reports that Premier Soccer League giants Mamelodi Sundowns are interested in their star, Matheusinho.

    The forward has been repeatedly linked with the Tshwane giants, who are understood to have their interest in the player influenced by the belief that he is the right replacement for Lucas Ribeiro.

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  • Matheusinho, Sport Recife, August 2025Sport Recife

    Recife break silence

    However, the Brazilian club is reportedly keen to keep Matheusinho, according to NE45. The forward is on loan from Portugal's Santa Clara.

    The playmaker's loan deal at Recife is understood to run until June 2026, and the agreement includes an obligation to buy clause.

    The Brazilian outfit, struggling in their respective league, views the Sundowns target as one of their key players and do not want to part with him.

    The club's executive officer, Thiago Gasparino, affirmed the club's stance on their star.

    "Our position remains the same," Gasparino stated. 

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Why are Sundowns desperate for Matheusinho?

    The Brazilians are looking for a proper replacement for Ribeiro, who was a vital figure for them during his time at Chloorkop.

    Ribeiro, last season, became the Golden Boot winner after scoring 16 league goals and was eventually named the PSL Player of the Season.

    His general contribution was vital as Masandawana managed to win a record eighth straight league title.

    This season, such services will not be available for Miguel Cardoso, as Ribeiro controversially left to join Spanish Segunda Division side Cultural Leonesa.

    His departure leaves a creative, goal-scoring hole in The Brazilians' squad and could hinder their chances to meet their trophy ambitions.

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Bid rejected

    In an attempt to sign Matheusinho, Downs are understood to have placed a €1.5 million (around R30 million) offer, which was rejected.

    With Recife reluctant to let the forward leave, Sundowns might be forced to look elsewhere as they need to get Ribeiro's replacement in before the transfer window closes on Monday, September 22.

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