Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all asked to leave the club, with the trio left out of Saturday’s matchday squad for the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United. Sarr was also managing a minor hamstring issue at the time.
Addressing the situation after the match, De Zerbi gave a candid account of each case. He said Richarlison had repeatedly expressed a desire to leave, while Danso approached him directly two days before the game to request an exit. Sarr, he added, shares the same wish but is nearing full fitness following his injury.
Despite the unrest, De Zerbi was careful to emphasise his respect for all three players. He described them as excellent professionals with whom he maintains a strong relationship, but was clear that any departure depends on the club securing suitable financial terms before replacements can be brought in.
Reports suggest Juventus are exploring a possible move for Sarr, and De Zerbi confirmed that each player would be given the opportunity to secure a new club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Combined, the trio arrived at Tottenham for fees in excess of £95 million — Richarlison from Everton in 2022, Sarr from FC Metz in 2021, and Danso from Lens only last summer.
The development comes at a difficult moment for the club. Newcastle’s victory, secured through second-half strikes from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, left Tottenham without a win or a goal from their opening two Premier League fixtures — their worst start in this respect since the 1974–75 season, despite outlay of roughly £300–380 million on eight new signings over the summer.
De Zerbi urged supporters not to draw parallels with previous turbulent campaigns, insisting the club is on a different trajectory, while acknowledging that the current squad has not yet found its rhythm. He rejected suggestions of panic, framing the early setbacks as part of a broader rebuilding process.
With the transfer window closing imminently, Tottenham now face the dual challenge of resolving the futures of Richarlison, Danso and Sarr while continuing to integrate a heavily restructured squad under their new head coach.
