
Tottenham make a U-turn on Richarlison’s future amid interest from two Premier League clubs ahead of January transfer window.
Richarlison’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been a talking point for several months now, as Thomas Frank considers his options up front.
The Brazilian has been Thomas Frank’s first-choice No.9 since the start of Spurs’ pre-season tour. Dominic Solanke’s persistent ankle-related issues have worked in favour of Richarlison. Due to Solanke being unavailable for months now, Richarlison has had to shoulder the burden of scoring goals for the Lilywhites.
Often been accused of inconsistency, the 28-year-old has rediscovered his scoring touch in recent outings, netting five goals in his last nine appearances. He came off the bench and made an immediate impact against Liverpool on Saturday. After a goalmouth scramble, Richarlison managed to jab the ball past goalkeeper Alisson, although his goal turned out to be a mere consolation as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Liverpool in north London.
It is an open secret that Spurs were looking to move on from Richarlison in the summer. The Brazil international was linked with several clubs from Turkey, England, Saudi Arabia and even in his own native, but none of them came forward with a concrete proposal, and he ended up staying at Spurs.
As the club’s top scorer in all competitions this season, it is fair to say Richarlison has done decently when leading an underperforming Tottenham attack. He has bagged eight goals in 26 appearances in all competitions thus far, which has seemingly changed the planning of the Hotspur Way chiefs.
According to TEAMtalk reporter Dean Jones, Tottenham have changed their stance on selling Richarlison in the upcoming January transfer window. Instead, they are considering handing him a new contract amid plans to sign a new striker in the New Year.
The South American star’s contract at White Hart Lane expires in the summer of 2027. Tottenham plan to protect his value in the wake of interest from two Premier League clubs by extending his stay in north London.
“Tottenham might double down on a stance of not letting Richarlison leave in January, by offering the forward an extended contract,” Dean Jones exclusively told TEAMtalk.
“Spurs are expecting interest in the Brazilian striker ahead of the January transfer window, with both Everton and Fulham believed to be among clubs monitoring his situation.
“Richarlison began Saturday’s match against Liverpool on the subs bench but made a significant impact after being introduced, scoring and almost inspiring a comeback.”
Jones says the Lilywhites are looking for fresh inspiration in attack by investing during the winter window. However, they do not want to limit their attacking options and have considered blocking any exit for Richarlison.
“The club are on the lookout for new attacking edge but have also considered blocking any departure in January for him,” the reporter added.
“At the moment we understand they see no benefit in letting him leave on loan. And a sale would depend on the level of bidding and whether they can sufficiently upgrade him in the squad in the next month.
“If Spurs do decide to keep him on, sources suggest that Tottenham may even look to additionally lengthen his contract.
“Richarlison’s current deal runs until 2027, and any new proposal would be designed to protect his value while also giving the club additional time to assess the future.”
Tottenham’s stance on keeping hold of Richarlison amid interest from Everton and Fulham makes sense. Given their problems to put the ball in the back of the net and Solanke’s injury situation, it would make no sense to sell their season’s top scorer during the mid-season trading period. What concerns is the club bosses’ decision regarding the forward’s contract situation.
Richarlison may be scoring goals now and looks in good touch, but in the long run, he is not good enough to make Tottenham challenge for top spots and trophies. Come the end of the season, the Hotspur Way chiefs must look to offload him next summer and replace the centre-forward with a quality player.
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