Lucas Ribeiro completes Cultural Leonesa move after Mamelodi Sundowns exit

The 26-year-old, who was crowned PSL Footballer of the Season following a standout campaign in South Africa, will now continue his career in LaLiga 2.

His new club announced the deal on Friday, confirming that Ribeiro arrives as a free agent.

"Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Saint Helena, 09/10/1998) is an attacking footballer who has developed his career in countries such as Brazil, France, and Belgium. In his most recent spell, he played for Mamelodi Sundowns FC in South Africa," read the statement from the club (translated from Spanish).

"He joins León as a free agent on a one-year deal. Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa welcomes Lucas Ribeiro to our club and wishes him every success in his new role in León."

Ribeiro's move comes after a stormy exit from Sundowns. At the end of last season, he requested to be released from his contract, but the club turned down the request. The player then declared himself a free agent, paving the way for his switch to Spain.

The forward joined Sundowns two years ago, making a huge impact at the Pretoria outfit as he played a key role in their last two Betway Premiership titles – which saw the team record their eighth league title in a row.