Richarlison’s unresolved future remains one of the biggest headaches at Hotspur Way. Spurs’ summer efforts to move the Brazilian on fell through, with possible deals involving Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama never materialising, and De Zerbi has made clear he will not play for the club again, even when fully fit.
Alasdair Gold reports that Shabab Al Ahli have now asked about the financial terms of a possible deal, though no formal offer has been made and people close to the player are said to doubt he would be tempted. The UAE window shuts next Monday and his contract runs until 2027, so Tottenham have little time left if they want to recoup a fee.
The saga comes as Spurs are reportedly preparing to sell players in January to fund a proven striker. Football Insider says the club accepts it must balance the books through departures before making another big attacking investment.
Mathys Tel could be among the most notable names made available. Football FanCast understands De Zerbi would be open to him leaving in the winter, and unlike with Richarlison, Tottenham are believed to be confident of getting a substantial fee for the 21-year-old, who is tied down until 2031. He joined with a strong reputation after coming through Rennes’ highly rated academy and a spell at Bayern Munich.
Tel was left out of the squad for the loss to Aston Villa after an apparent disagreement with De Zerbi during the draw with Everton. The manager later described the decision as tactical and said he had already spoken to the player.
A striker is becoming an urgent priority, with Dominic Solanke still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the season. Ivan Toney is a name that keeps being linked with the club. The former Brentford forward was one of the league’s most clinical finishers before moving to Saudi Arabia and earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer, and his hold-up play and finishing could give Spurs the focal point they lack.
Victor Osimhen would be a far bigger statement. The Nigerian has kept scoring since leaving Napoli and has long been tipped for the Premier League, offering strength, aerial power and finishing that Tottenham’s attack currently misses. But a deal would demand a huge outlay and looks hard to pull off without major sales first.
With the club already stretched after heavy summer spending, January could prove pivotal. If Spurs want a top striker, moving on Richarlison and Tel may be the key to raising the money.
