Tottenham drop Richarlison from Premier League squad as Turkish move looms

Tottenham have left Richarlison out of their Premier League squad, effectively signalling that the Brazilian striker has no future at the club. The decision was communicated to the 29-year-old before Tuesday’s Premier League transfer deadline, with manager Roberto de Zerbi confirming he was absent from the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle because “too many times he asked to leave”.

The move follows the collapse of talks that would have seen Richarlison return to Everton, the club he left for Spurs in 2022. Discussions between the two sides broke down on Sunday night, with the negotiations also involving Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who ultimately joined Manchester City instead.

Richarlison responded to the failed deal with a pointed statement on social media. “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. “I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me. I’ve been through far worse, believe me.”

The forward insisted he had always been willing to return to Goodison Park on the right terms. “If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club. My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that.”

Despite the public frustration, Richarlison acknowledged his contractual position. “I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal,” he added.

With the Premier League window now closed, Tottenham’s hierarchy appear to be banking on the Turkish and Saudi Arabian transfer windows — both still open — to facilitate a departure. Turkish side Trabzonspor have been reported to be preparing a formal approach for the striker, making a move abroad the most likely outcome for a player who has found himself frozen out just weeks into the new season.