Key Takeaways:
- Richarlison has been excluded from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad, limiting him to cup appearances this season
- The forward is reportedly contemplating legal action to terminate his contract and facilitate a potential switch to Vasco da Gama
- Tottenham rejected two bids from Trabzonspor for Richarlison, the highest of which was £20 million
Transfer Dispute Takes New Turn
Tottenham Hotspur’s forward Richarlison is actively seeking to have the club terminate his contract, paving the way for a potential move back to Brazil. The Brazilian international has found himself at the centre of a protracted transfer saga throughout the recent window, with heavy rumours of a swap deal involving Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. Whilst this move failed to materialise – Ndiaye instead joined Manchester City – speculation regarding Richarlison’s future has intensified.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Richarlison is seeking to 𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧 to join 𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢 😳🇧🇷
According to @geglobo, the Brazilian striker’s camp is preparing to take the case to court after Tottenham left him out of their Premier League… pic.twitter.com/WEYeoRuXLg
— 433 (@433) September 10, 2026
Player’s Stance and Statement
Amid the transfer speculation, Richarlison released a statement that appeared to admonish Tottenham’s handling of his situation, emphatically stating his intention to control his own career decisions: “After everything I’ve gone through in recent years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN would they decide my future for me. I went through a lot of bad things during this time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me. I’ve been through worse things… believe me!
“I have always made it clear, at every opportunity, that my departure to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn’t, I would never accept it… just as I didn’t accept it when everything here was crumbling and they needed me.
“I stayed and gave my life. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I have always had for Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this period. Just don’t try to decide for me.
“If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton I will return to my heart’s club. My intention was indeed to return to the place where I was very happy.
“It’s just that negotiations were going the way people wanted, and it won’t be that way anymore. Despite this turmoil, I have a contract with Spurs and I will be at the club’s disposal.”
Interest from Abroad and Premier League Exclusion
Recently, Turkish club Trabzonspor made two unsuccessful bids for the forward, reportedly reaching £20 million, both of which Tottenham turned down. Despite alleged agreement on personal terms, the transfer was blocked by the north London club.
The Brazilian press, including Globo, have now reported that Richarlison may pursue legal avenues against Tottenham in an attempt to unilaterally end his contract. Sportingpedia sources indicate that such a move is aimed at securing a transfer to Vasco da Gama, his boyhood club. However, financial constraints at Vasco da Gama, particularly the English side’s fee in excess of £20m, could hinder a permanent deal.
Richarlison’s situation has further deteriorated following his omission from Roberto De Zerbi’s 25-man Premier League squad, rendering him eligible only for cup competitions this term. The player is believed to be referencing the legal precedent set by Renan Lodi, who succeeded in terminating his contract at Al-Hilal after being omitted from their Saudi Pro League squad.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 134 | 32 | 15 | Omitted from Premier League squad, only played in season opener vs Brentford |
Potential Move Hampered by Regulations
Aside from financial concerns, FIFA regulations are reportedly complicating any prospective loan arrangement involving Richarlison and Vasco da Gama. The South American side is continuing to explore the possibilities, but a resolution remains elusive given Tottenham’s insistence on a significant transfer fee.
Richarlison has been a Tottenham player since joining from Everton in 2022, making 134 appearances and contributing 32 goals and 15 assists. This campaign, his sole appearance came in the opening fixture against Brentford, underscoring his limited role in the current squad. The outcome of his contractual dispute with Spurs is expected to shape the remainder of the forward’s season.
