Everton are eyeing a sensational swoop for Tottenham forward Richarlison in the January transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has had to deal with several injury setback in his maiden season in north London. Key stars such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are yet to feature this campaign due to long-term injury problems. Recently, the fans have witnessed the likes of Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie miss games as well, while Dominic Solanke went under the knife to correct his ankle problem last month.
Solanke’s continued absence has benefitted Richarlison from an individual perspective. The Brazilian has been Tottenham’s first-choice No.9 this season, with Thomas Frank backing him to turn around his N17 career. However, he has laboured for some time now and gone off the boil, affecting the team’s productivity in front of goal.
Richarlison was expected to leave Spurs in the summer, but a combination of several factors led to him staying at the club. Clubs from Brazil were looking to lure him back, with Palmeiras notably making a bold move to sign the centre-forward. While he has stayed, there is constant speculation surrounding the 28-year-old’s long-term future at White Hart Lane.
Richarlison says ‘YES’ to re-joining Everton
Richarlison joined Tottenham in a £60m deal from Everton in July 2022. He has endured a frustrating three-year spell at White Hart Lane, with persistent injuries and inconsistency hampering his progress. The striker has provided continuous headaches since his move but it could finally end for him at Spurs in the New Year.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are considering a sensational swoop for Richarlison in the January transfer window. David Moyes is exploring the signing of a new striker, with Beto and summer arrival Thierno Barry struggling to fire up front this season. And Richarlison is open to re-joining Everton should the opportunity present itself.
The South American forward had carved his reputation in the Premier League with his strong displays at Everton, where he bagged 53 goals and 15 assists in 152 appearances. During his four-year stay in Merseyside, he had built a strong relationship with the fans, who reportedly would welcome their former star with open arms.
The aforementioned report adds the Toffees are monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation at Tottenham. The major thing for them is to gauge what kind of deal Spurs would entertain in January, as a loan with option to buy could appeal Moyes’ club the most.
Tottenham likely to sanction Richarlison’s exit if they get a new striker
Tottenham are crying out for a reliable goalscorer after watching their current options struggle to produce the goods. Solanke has barely played, while Randal Kolo Muani is adapting to the demands of English football after arriving on loan from PSG on deadline day. Richarlison has been a regular in Frank’s side but he has netted only three times in the league.
Given Richarlison is open to returning to Everton, Spurs could be open to the idea of letting him depart mid-season if they succeed in signing a new No.9. Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic appears to be the north Londoners’ primary target to bolster the attack. As his contract at Juventus is running down, Vlahovic has been made available for a paltry £20 million in January. So, the onus will be on the Hotspur Way chiefs to make a move for Vlahovic, which potentially potentially allows Richarlison to re-sign for Moyes’ Everton.