The 27-year-old attacker had arrived in the Tunisian capital to finalise personal terms on a multi-year contract with the four-time CAF Champions League winners. However, disagreements over financial compensation and the release from his existing arrangements have stalled progress, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
ITC and contractual complications
Central to the impasse is the International Transfer Certificate, which remains with Al Ittihad Tripoli. Without formal clearance from the Libyan club, Ribeiro cannot be registered with the Tunisian Football Federation. Sources suggest that while personal terms with Espérance were close, the clubs failed to agree on the required buyout compensation before key deadlines.
As a result, the player has reportedly been required to return to Libya amid the unresolved situation. This development represents a late twist in what had appeared to be a progressing deal following his arrival in Tunis.
Turbulent transfer history
Ribeiro, who previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and spent time with Cultural Leonesa in Spain's second division, initially agreed terms with Al Ittihad Tripoli. The move to Espérance was driven by his desire for CAF Champions League football after Al Ittihad missed out on qualification and following the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena to Pyramids FC.
The Brazilian forward enjoyed a strong spell with Sundowns, contributing significantly in domestic and continental competitions before his contract situation became the subject of legal proceedings. His career has been marked by ambition to play at the highest levels of African club football.
Implications for both clubs
For Espérance de Tunis, the setback complicates their summer recruitment strategy as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming Ligue Professionnelle 1 season and continental campaigns. The club will now likely explore alternative targets.
Ribeiro remains contractually linked to Al Ittihad Tripoli for the time being. His representatives are expected to assess all available options, including potential legal avenues, as registration windows across African leagues continue to operate. No official statements have been issued by the clubs confirming the full breakdown of the transfer at this stage.
This latest chapter adds further complexity to an already intricate transfer saga involving multiple clubs across Africa and Europe. Updates are anticipated as the situation develops in the coming days.