Richarlison has been linked with an exit from Tottenham amid interest from MLS club Orlando City.
With the January window fast approaching, there has been speculation over the future of certain Tottenham Hotspur players. One of those is Richarlison.
Richarlison has had his struggles at Tottenham, with injuries often preventing him from making a consistent impact. This season, things have been a bit different for him, though. The Brazil international has been enjoying a new lease of life at the club under new boss Thomas Frank. Not only has the 28-year-old managed to keep himself fit, but he has also added some consistency to his goal-scoring numbers.
With eight goals in all competitions, Richarlison is Tottenham’s top scorer this season. With Dominic Solanke still on the mend after his ankle surgery and deadline day signing Randal Kolo Muani only impressing in flashes, Thomas Frank’s hands have been tied when it comes to the No.9 role. The Dane has had to rely on Richarlison, and surprisingly, he has not let his gaffer down.
John Wenham expects MLS clubs to come calling for Richarlison in January
Richarlison has become more important than ever for Spurs, especially in the absence of Solanke. Yet, that hasn’t stopped speculation surrounding his future in N17.
The Brazilian forward has been linked with a move to MLS club Orlando City. Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Orlando City will push to sign the Tottenham man if he is willing to leave in January. And Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham has doubled down on it, predicting that MLS clubs could come calling for Richarlison in January, as there has been no news of a potential contract renewal.
“The thing is against Forest last week, he offered nothing, we don’t see that Richarlison enough [the one against Liverpool], if we did he would be at Real Madrid or something,” John Wenham exclusively told Tottenham News.
“The way he can wind up players of the quality of Van Dijk, Alisson and others, who have seen it all in their career, he causes massive problems.
“If he could do it every week, he would be at Madrid, but he was basically unplayable for that sort of 15 minutes.
“The start of the season, he had a purple patch, outstanding against PSG in the Super Cup, we then play Burnley in the league and he scores two, including that fantastic acrobatic scissor kick, then he can go nine games without a goal, or have a mysterious injury.
“I still think there is a very decent chance he leaves Tottenham in January, I know he has 18 months left on his contract, there was serious interest in the summer, I expect MLS clubs to come back in for him.
“There is no sort of talk of an extension at Tottenham, so, I could still see Richarlison moving in the near future.”
Tottenham unlikely to let Richarlison go in January
Spurs will look to strengthen their squad, especially in the forward positions, and they have been linked with several players. Quality and competition for places have been severely lacking in Frank’s squad, and if Tottenham are to finish in the European spots, they must sign a No.9 to compete with Richarlison.
As far as Richarlison is concerned, he may not have been a consistent goalscorer, but at least his ability to produce moments of magic, work rate and physicality has made him a good fit in Frank’s system. He has seven league goals this term, which isn’t a bad return, especially considering the attackers have not consistently produced chances in the final third.
Add that to Solanke’s unavailability for months, and the Lilywhites are unlikely to entertain offers for Richarlison midway through the season.