Richarlison blames Tottenham's loan limit for collapse of Vasco da Gama dream move

Richarlison has taken to Instagram to blame Tottenham Hotspur for the collapse of his proposed loan move to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, claiming Spurs hit their permitted loan limit before a deal could be finalised.

The 29-year-old striker had been widely expected to join Vasco on loan, with the two clubs reportedly reaching an agreement. Richarlison, however, pushed back on suggestions that Vasco failed to settle personal terms, insisting the breakdown was entirely on Tottenham’s side.

“We were very close to me signing with Vasco. My team, the team of my whole family,” Richarlison said in a statement translated via ge Globo. “Unfortunately, Tottenham reached the loan limit, so it didn’t work out either.”

The Brazilian was effusive in his affection for the Rio de Janeiro club, thanking supporters who had already been asking what time he would land at the airport so they could greet him. “I believe I’ll be at São Januário, in Barreira, soon,” he added. “You know how much I care about you all, and one day I will realise this dream, which is mine, my grandfather’s, and my family’s.”

Richarlison had been seeking a way out of Spurs throughout the summer after being left out of head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s 25-man Premier League squad. A nostalgic return to former club Everton was explored but collapsed late in negotiations, while Turkish side Trabzonspor submitted bids of £15 million and £20 million without success.

With the British transfer window having closed on 1 September and Richarlison excluded from the Premier League squad, the striker cannot feature for Tottenham until the January window at the earliest. He did participate in the first team’s warm-up session on Thursday, but his situation at the club remains unresolved.

The public statement marks a notable escalation in tensions between player and club, with Richarlison making clear that his desire to return to Brazil — and to Vasco specifically — remains very much alive.