Tottenham have taken a major step towards ending Richarlison’s four-year stay in north London after reportedly leaving the Brazilian out of their Premier League squad.
The 29-year-old remains a Tottenham player following the collapse of his proposed return to Everton, but Roberto De Zerbi has now delivered perhaps the clearest indication yet that the forward has no future in his plans.
The Times reports that Richarlison has been omitted from Spurs’ registered squad for the first half of the Premier League season.
That decision looks particularly significant because injured attacking pair Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski have both reportedly been included.
Richarlison exit now looks inevitable at Tottenham
It is another dramatic development in a transfer saga which appeared close to being resolved only days ago.
Tottenham had reached an agreement in principle which would have seen Richarlison return to Everton, while Iliman Ndiaye was expected to head in the opposite direction through a separate deal.
Neither transfer was ultimately completed.
Richarlison had already been among seven Tottenham players facing uncertain futures during De Zerbi’s aggressive squad overhaul.
Now his position looks even more precarious.
Trabzonspor remain interested in signing the Brazil international, according to The Times, with the Turkish transfer window providing Spurs with another opportunity to secure his departure.
The report claims Tottenham rejected an informal offer worth £20million from the Turkish side after valuing Richarlison at around £35m during negotiations with Everton.
Richarlison is entering the final year of his existing Tottenham contract, although Spurs hold an option to extend it.
Tottenham’s attacking hierarchy has also changed considerably following their summer recruitment.
Omar Marmoush has arrived to strengthen De Zerbi’s options, while Dominic Solanke remains available through the middle.
Leaving Richarlison outside the Premier League squad therefore feels like much more than a warning.
Unless another unexpected change occurs, Tottenham appear to have made their position clear. Richarlison needs to find a new club.
