Richarlison axed from Tottenham's Premier League squad after Everton return collapses

Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad for the opening half of the 2025-26 season, effectively freezing the Brazilian striker out of domestic football after a deadline-day move back to Everton collapsed.

Spurs had been close to sending Richarlison to his former club in the final hours of the transfer window, with Tottenham simultaneously pursuing Iliman Ndiaye as a replacement. Both deals fell apart, and Ndiaye subsequently joined Manchester City, leaving Richarlison stranded in north London without a squad place.

The 29-year-old’s omission means he cannot feature in Premier League fixtures until the January window at the earliest. Tottenham have reshaped their attack significantly this summer, bringing in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio, and Omar Marmoush — the latter on loan with an obligation to buy — pushing Richarlison further down the pecking order. He was absent from the squad that lost 2-0 to Newcastle on Saturday.

With several international transfer windows still open, a move abroad remains Richarlison’s most viable route to regular football. Trabzonspor have already had a bid rejected by Spurs, while Saudi Pro League clubs retain the ability to sign players and could offer another option. The striker has just one year left on his current contract.

Richarlison addressed the collapse of the Everton deal directly on social media, making clear he had refused to accept terms he considered unfair to himself.

“After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me,” he wrote. “Pressure, threats, retaliation — none of that scares me. I’ve been through far worse, believe me.”

He added that he had always insisted any departure must work for both parties, and called on Tottenham to treat his situation with the same respect he felt he had shown the club. “I stayed and gave my life to it,” he wrote. “So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I have always had for Spurs.”

Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 for a reported £60m but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form during his time at the club.