RS Berkane land experienced Cape Verde striker Ryan Mendes

Moroccan club Renaissance Sportive de Berkane have completed the signing of Cape Verde international Ryan Mendes, making the experienced forward their third addition of the summer transfer window.

The deal was finalised after Mendes completed his medical examinations, with the former Lille and Nottingham Forest attacker now set to continue his career in Morocco.

Mendes’ arrival follows the signings of Abdelghafour Lamirat and former Berkane player Adel Tahif.

Cape Verde international adds experience

The 36-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the Cape Verde national team and has built a career across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

He has previously played in France for Le Havre and Lille, while his career has also taken him to Nottingham Forest in England, Kayserispor and Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey, as well as Sharjah and Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.

Mendes spent the 2025-26 campaign in Turkey with second-tier side İğdır FK, making 27 league appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists.

His extensive experience is expected to strengthen Berkane’s attacking options as the Moroccan club prepares for the new campaign.

New coach played key role in move

Cape Verdean coach Pedro Leitão Brito, who replaced Tunisian coach Moine Chaabani at Berkane, reportedly recommended Mendes to the club’s management.

The move means the new coach will now have a player he knows well from Cape Verde football within his squad.

Mendes’ experience at international level could also prove valuable to a Berkane side competing on both the domestic and African stage.

Key figure for Cape Verde

Mendes has been a long-standing member of the Cape Verde national team, earning close to 100 international appearances and scoring more than 20 goals.

He has featured in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and remains one of the most recognisable players in the history of the Blue Sharks.

His experience of major international competitions adds another dimension to Berkane’s squad, particularly as the club seeks success in African competition.

Mendes’ arrival completes Berkane’s third signing of the summer, following Lamirat and Tahif, as the Moroccan club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.