Richarlison is out of Tottenham’s plans under Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham Hotspur have struggled in front of goal this season, scoring just twice in five Premier League games. Ironically, their top scorer from last season hasn’t played since the opening weekend defeat to Brentford.
That player is, of course, Richarlison, who has fallen out with the club after contract disputes and failed negotiations in recent weeks. Roberto De Zerbi has frozen him out by leaving the Brazilian international out of his 25-man Premier League squad. Spurs recently turned down a late transfer proposal from UAE Pro League side Shabab Al Ahli for the 29-year-old, who also endured failed moves to Everton, Vasco da Gama and Trabzonspor.
With the transfer window closed everywhere, Richarlison remains in north London until at least the January transfer window. However, there is no stopping speculation surrounding Richarlison’s future.
Fenerbahce plan to target Richarlison in January transfer window
Recent reports suggest Richarlison is expected to be available for a significantly reduced fee in January. Spurs are now prepared to accept less than £1m for the 29-year-old, putting several clubs on red alert already.
Now, according to a report from Turkish Football, Fenerbahce have started laying the initial groundwork for a winter move for Richarlison, seeking to take advantage of the Tottenham forward’s exclusion from De Zerbi’s squad. They have re-established contact with the player’s representatives following earlier interest over the summer.
Tottenham hold an option to extend the Brazilian’s contract, which officially runs until the end of the current campaign, but the club presumably would prefer to cut ties with the experienced striker as soon as possible. The 29-year-old fits Fenerbahce’s need for a versatile profile, capable of operating centrally and on the left flank.
The report adds that the Turkish club are preparing an exciting financial package to convince both Spurs and Richarlison when the transfer window reopens on January 1.
Richarlison’s future is sealed
It seems inevitable that Richarlison will leave Tottenham in the coming months, with the forward falling out of favour under De Zerbi. As his contract expires in the summer of 2027, the January transfer window is Tottenham’s last chance to sell the player and get some fee.
However, the South American star’s lack of competitive football and public desire to leave mean that the Lilywhites have far less leverage than they did a few months ago. For now, the club has no other option than to continue paying high wages to the centre-forward. Come January, they must offload Richarlison, free up his wages and reinvest in a striker who fits into De Zerbi’s system.
