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'A scare for me'- £60m Tottenham star called out for lack of consistency; familiar trend hints at downward spiral

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 12:22 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison needs to find his goal-scoring form quickly

Tottenham forward Richarlison has struggled to justify his price tag since making the high-profile switch from Everton in 2022. The Brazilian spent his first season playing second fiddle to Harry Kane, showing flashes of potential but never establishing himself as a reliable option. When Kane departed for Bayern Munich in 2023, many expected Richarlison to step up and fill the void, but he failed to seize the opportunity.

The 28-year-old appeared destined for an exit this past summer after an underwhelming spell under Ange Postecoglou. However, Thomas Frank decided to give him one final chance to prove his worth at N17. Richarlison’s early performances suggested he was ready to make the most of it, with his brace against Burnley on the opening day raising hopes that a new chapter was about to begin.

Since then, though, his form has quickly dipped. The forward has scored just once in his last eight appearances under Frank, once again highlighting his inconsistency. For a club aspiring to compete at the very top, relying on Richarlison to lead the line across a full season looks increasingly unrealistic.

Tottenham cannot rely on Richarlison for the whole season

At present, Frank has little choice but to persist with him, with Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani both sidelined through injury. For Richarlison, this should be the perfect opportunity to cement his place in the team. Yet, based on his track record at N17, it feels unlikely that he will be able to take advantage.

Sharing a similar view, Gabby Agbonlahor has voiced his concerns about the Brazilian’s ability to spearhead Spurs’ attack. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said,

“Richarlison for me, big money. He cost £60m. Started the season on fire with two goals against Burnley, then scores a tap-in against Brighton. And you’re like this could be the season where he kicks on and can be the main man. And the same thing happens season after season with Richarlison.”

The ex-Villa striker added,

“He will have a couple of good games and then he’ll have three or four games where he does absolutely zero. If he’s leading your line then it’s a scare for me for Spurs. He had a great start but he never continues it. He doesn’t scare you as a centre back.”

Agbonlahor’s criticism echoes the frustration of many Spurs supporters. While Richarlison’s early-season form gave fans brief hope, his inability to maintain momentum once again left the club searching for answers. The concern now is that Tottenham will waste more time persisting with a striker who has repeatedly failed to deliver.

With his contract still running, Spurs may need to consider cashing in before his value diminishes further. Richarlison might fare better at a club outside the constant spotlight, but he does not appear to be the long-term solution at N17. For Tottenham, the focus in the upcoming transfer window should be on securing a genuine #9 who can lead the line consistently and bring back the cutting edge they have lacked since Harry Kane’s departure.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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