De Zerbi confirms Richarlison, Danso and Pape Sarr have all asked to leave Spurs before deadline

Roberto De Zerbi confirmed after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday that three first-team players — Richarlison, Kurt Danso and Pape Sarr — have formally asked to leave the club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The admissions came as Spurs extended their wretched start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. They were beaten 3-0 by Brentford on the opening weekend before Saturday’s loss at Newcastle, leaving them without a point or a goal from their first two matches — despite spending over £300 million on new signings across the summer.

De Zerbi was candid about the situation in his post-match press conference. “Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave,” the Italian said. “Danso came to me two days ago and said he wants to leave, and Pape Sarr, the same — but he suffered a small injury and is almost ready to train.”

When asked whether any of the three could still have a future at the club, De Zerbi left the door open only on financial terms. “I love these players, they are great guys, I have very good relationships,” he said. “But if they want to leave, they have to bring the solution — the economic solution — to the club, and they can go, and we find other players.”

De Zerbi also pointed to mitigating factors behind the poor results, noting that key signings Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro only returned late after the World Cup, while Sandro Tonali is not yet at full fitness. Omar Marmoush was singled out for praise despite the opening-day defeat to Brentford.

“I think if I was positive last season when we were in the Championship — because when I came we were in the Championship — what do you think my thoughts now could be?” De Zerbi said, framing the current difficulties as a manageable phase rather than a crisis.

Spurs have also been linked with a move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, though the Dutchman is reported to be closing in on a switch to Manchester City instead. De Zerbi declined to discuss potential incomings, insisting the focus had to remain on the performance against Newcastle.

Tottenham’s next fixture is away at Nottingham Forest next Saturday, a side also yet to pick up a point from their opening two league games.