Reliable journalist claims Richarlison could be offered an extension at Tottenham Hotspur if he remains fit
Richarlison cost Tottenham Hotspur £60m when they bought him from Everton three years ago, but only scored four times in the Premier League last season in an injury-hit campaign. He missed 27 games due to a combination of hamstring and calf injury, and with a new head coach arriving at the club, his fate at the club looked sealed.
The Brazilian was set to leave the Lilywhites in the summer after failing to live up to the lofty expectations at N17. However, he turned things around during pre-season, and the unavailability of Dominic Solanke benefitted the 28-year-old. Richarlison started games as Thomas Frank’s first-choice striker and made a strong impression over the pre-season.
The centre-forward’s good form translated into the new season, scoring an eye-catching brace in Tottenham’s win over Burnley and assisting Brennan Johnson in the victory over Manchester City in the Premier League. He was rewarded with a call-up to the Brazil squad for the World Cup qualifiers during the recent international break.
But the Brazilian international needs to do a lot more if he wants to continue donning the famous white shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the long run.
Richarlison could be offered a new contract if he proves his fitness
Persistent injury problems over the last two seasons has been a big issue for Richarlison. This has led to chronic inconsistency and limited impact on the pitch when he has been fit to play, leading to frustration within the fanbase and the club’s decision-makers.
Football London journalist Alasdair Gold has now revealed that Spurs and Thomas Frank could decide to hand Richarlison a contract extension if he manages to stay fit throughout the season. In a Q&A for Football London, he was asked about players who the club are planning to hand new contracts to. The journalist stated:
“A decision will have to be made over Richarlison if he can keep fit for the bulk of this season and then I would imagine it’s about rewarding those who have impressed since arriving.”
Too early to have any contract talks
Richarlison still has two years remaining on his current contract at N17. So, the club are not in immediate danger of losing him. Plus, any extension talks can happen if the South American manages his body well, proves his fitness and delivers the goods throughout the season.
Having kept himself fit all summer and started the new season very well, Richarlison now needs to become more consistent. When fit and firing, the 28-year-old is a real pest for defenders. Also, Frank openly admitting that Richarlison is his first-choice striker should only boost his confidence to perform well in every game and repay his gaffer’s faith.
