Full Breakdown
Richarlison’s Uncertain Future at Tottenham Hotspur
9/9/2026, 11:42:21 AM
Core Event: Squad Exclusion and Transfer Stalemate
Two weeks after starting the Premier League season on the wing against Brentford, Brazilian striker Richarlison was omitted from Tottenham’s match-day squads for the fixtures against Charlton and Newcastle. When the English transfer window closed, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Richarlison was left out of the club’s registered Premier League squad, with the final non-homegrown spot taken by injured midfielder Xavi Simons. The striker remains under contract but is training away from his teammates on the first-team pitches at Hotspur Way while the club searches for a permanent solution.
Background & Context
Richarlison, 29, joined Tottenham in 2022 and finished the 2023-24 season as the club’s top scorer. He featured in pre-season, scoring in the opening match at the Gtech Community Stadium. De Zerbi has said the player “works hard every day” and is “important” but also noted that Richarlison expressed a desire to leave early in pre-season. His contract runs beyond the current season, and Tottenham have already used their limit of six international loans, meaning any overseas move would have to be permanent.
Official Statements & Responses
De Zerbi told reporters that Richarlison’s wishes were “confusing” because the player alternated between wanting to stay and wanting to leave. He emphasized that the club must respect the player’s decision and that “if a player says ‘I want to leave, I want to leave, I want to leave’, you have to have an offer behind you otherwise what are you doing?” An offer arrived before the market closed but was rejected by the striker. De Zerbi also noted that the club cannot force a transfer and that the responsibility for any move lies with the player and potential suitors.
Data & Statistics
- 2023-24 season: Tottenham’s leading scorer
- Squad limit: Six international loans already used, preventing another loan abroad
- Transfer-window deadlines: The Portuguese window closed on September 4, eliminating a possible return to Benfica
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Brazilian ESPN journalist Renato Senise reports that Richarlison never formally asked to leave, saying he would only depart if a “right offer” emerged. Senise notes an Everton bid was “very low” and that Richarlison felt the narrative painted him as a “villain.” These accounts contrast with De Zerbi’s statements that the player repeatedly voiced a desire to exit Tottenham. No independent verification of the Everton offer’s size or of any concrete offers from Saudi clubs has been provided.
What’s Next
With the English transfer window closed, the only realistic pathway appears to be a permanent move back to Brazil, where the domestic window remains open until Friday. Flamengo have shown interest, and fan campaigns have highlighted possible returns to Vasco da Gama or Fluminense, clubs linked to Richarlison’s early career. Should no transfer materialise, Tottenham retain the option to extend his contract or negotiate a mutual termination, a route previously taken with former signing Tanguy Ndombele. The striker’s absence from competitive action is expected to continue until a resolution is reached.
