Richarlison’s Tottenham Standoff Deepens as Everton Snub Fallout Continues
Richarlison’s future at Tottenham has taken another twist, with sources close to the striker reportedly convinced the club is freezing him out as payback for turning down a move back to Everton. The 29-year-old finds himself in limbo after Spurs opted not to register him for Premier League action, pushing his camp to explore a possible exit back to Brazilian football before the September 11 deadline closes that door too.
Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio reports that Richarlison has already given the green light to a switch to Vasco da Gama — but making it happen won’t be straightforward given Tottenham’s current stance.
The saga traces back to the closing days of the window, when Spurs had reportedly lined up a deal to send Richarlison back to Goodison Park, only for the player to turn it down. That refusal is said to have irritated the club, who were counting on the sale to help fund a move for Iliman Ndiaye — a deal that ultimately fell through, with Ndiaye joining Manchester City instead. In other words, Richarlison staying put came at a cost beyond just squad numbers.
A subsequent escape route to Trabzonspor also stalled, despite reports that the forward himself was receptive to a move to Türkiye. Once again, Tottenham blocked it. That’s left Richarlison stuck: wanted elsewhere, willing to leave, yet still without a Premier League pathway at his own club — a pattern his camp reportedly views as retaliation, though that remains their interpretation rather than confirmed fact.
With the European window shut, Brazil now looks like his most realistic way out. Vasco have his blessing, but Tottenham hold all the leverage — Simplicio notes the Rio club will need to negotiate carefully to get Spurs on board, since interest alone won’t be enough to force a deal through.
Tottenham’s reluctance appears rooted in protecting their own financial and strategic interests after the Everton situation soured. But there’s a case to be made that digging in serves no one: Richarlison needs game time, Vasco want a proven forward, and Spurs are left managing a player outside their top-flight plans regardless. A middle ground seems the sensible resolution.
For now, though, the ball is in Tottenham’s court. Vasco have until September 11 to broker something workable, and Richarlison’s representatives reportedly believe he’s paying the price for saying no to Everton — whether that changes hinges entirely on what Spurs decide to do next.
