Lucas Ribeiro Officially Joins Espérance de Tunis on Three-Year Deal

Espérance Sportive de Tunis have completed one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer by officially announcing the signing of Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro on a three-year contract. The Tunisian giants confirmed that negotiations were successfully concluded in Libya, where vice-president Chokri El Waer finalised the agreement with Al-Ittihad Tripoli. As part of the deal, midfielder Jacques Diarra will move in the opposite direction, making it a player-plus-transfer arrangement that satisfied both clubs. Ribeiro's transfer has attracted significant attention over the past few months. After leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, the Brazilian spent last season in Spain with Cultural Leonesa, where he featured in 31 matches, scoring six goals and contributing two assists. Although his performances impressed, the club's relegation and the expiry of his contract opened the door for a return to African football. Several clubs expressed interest in signing the 27-year-old, including Al-Ittihad Tripoli and Espérance. The situation became increasingly complicated, with reports of changing negotiations and competing offers before Espérance eventually secured the forward's signature. For Espérance, Ribeiro's arrival is a major statement of intent ahead of the new domestic and CAF Champions League campaigns. The Tunisian champions believe his pace, creativity and eye for goal will strengthen an already talented attacking unit as they target success both domestically and across the continent. Ribeiro is no stranger to African football. During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, he became one of the Betway Premiership's most exciting attacking players, producing memorable performances and establishing himself as a fan favourite. His technical ability, dribbling skills and versatility across the front line earned widespread admiration before his move to Europe. Although his transfer to Espérance is now complete, reports indicate that legal proceedings involving his previous departure from Mamelodi Sundowns are still ongoing and remain separate from his new contract in Tunisia. Those matters are expected to be resolved independently while Ribeiro focuses on his football with his new club. The completion of the deal brings an end to months of speculation and gives Espérance one of the most experienced attacking players available on the African market. Supporters will now be eager to see how quickly Ribeiro adapts to Tunisian football and whether he can help the club compete for both league honours and continental glory. With the transfer saga finally over, Lucas Ribeiro begins an exciting new chapter in Tunisia, hoping to make an immediate impact in the famous red and yellow colours of Espérance de Tunis.