Ryan Mendes poised for reunion with Bubista at ambitious RS Berkane

Ryan Mendes is in advanced talks over a move to Moroccan club RS Berkane, where the Cape Verde captain could reunite with his former national-team manager Bubista.

The 36-year-old forward is a free agent and has reportedly been offered a one-year contract by the club, with the option of extending the agreement for a further season.

A move to Morocco would bring Mendes back together with Bubista, who was recently appointed as RS Berkane manager until 2028. The coach played a key role in guiding Cape Verde to their historic 2026 World Cup campaign and knows the qualities of the veteran attacker well.

The potential reunion would give Bubista the opportunity to work again with one of the most influential figures in Cape Verdean football. Mendes has been an international since 2010 and, long before Cape Verde’s recent rise on the world stage, had become one of the main symbols of the national team.

He has won more than 100 caps for the Blue Sharks and was part of the squad that represented the country at the 2026 World Cup. Mendes started all of Cape Verde’s matches during the tournament and provided an assist against Argentina in the last 16.

Although he no longer possesses the pace that made him such a threat earlier in his career, Mendes continues to offer a valuable blend of technical ability, vision and experience. He also comes into the proposed move after a successful season in the second tier of Turkish football.

For RS Berkane, the possible arrival of the experienced forward would represent another significant addition ahead of an important campaign.

The Moroccan club finished as national runners-up last season and are aiming to regain the domestic title. They also want to make further progress in continental competition after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Mendes’ leadership and international experience could therefore prove particularly useful as RS Berkane pursue those ambitions. His familiarity with Bubista’s methods would also allow the Cape Verde captain to settle quickly should the negotiations lead to an agreement.

The talks are understood to be at an advanced stage, although the proposed contract would initially cover only one season, with RS Berkane retaining the option of keeping Mendes for an additional year.

The move would mark another link between the Moroccan club and Cape Verde. Only a few weeks ago, RS Berkane brought in Bubista, the coach credited with helping the Blue Sharks achieve their historic qualification and progress at the 2026 World Cup.

Mendes, a former Lille player, has long been a central figure in Cape Verde’s football story. A transfer to RS Berkane would give him the chance to continue his career at an ambitious club while working again with the manager who knows his character and leadership better than most.