Richarlison looks increasingly likely to head to the Saudi Pro League after being frozen out at Tottenham, having lost Roberto De Zerbi’s confidence and been left out of the club’s Premier League squad for the season.
The Brazilian started in Spurs’ opener against Brentford but now can’t play again until January at the earliest. With his hoped-for moves to Everton and Trabzonspor both collapsing before their respective deadlines, Saudi Arabia — where the window stays open a while longer — looks like his best route to regular football rather than sitting out until January. That’s despite a solid campaign last season, in which he scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances.
The Everton move fell apart over disagreement on terms, while Trabzonspor couldn’t get a deal done by Friday’s deadline. Tension with De Zerbi has since deepened after Richarlison posted a pointed social media message vowing to never again let others control his future.
Saudi clubs have until October 12 to complete their squads, and Tottenham are reportedly open to accepting a lower fee to get a deal done, given Richarlison no longer figures in De Zerbi’s plans.
All this comes as De Zerbi faces mounting pressure after a goalless start to the season across three league games, though Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest at least brought a first point. Fans have grown frustrated given the summer spending, but reports suggest the club has no plans to sack De Zerbi and intends to give him time with his rebuilt squad.
