De Zerbi Reveals More About Richarlison’s Tottenham Situation
Roberto De Zerbi has provided fresh insight into Richarlison’s uncertain future at Tottenham, making it clear that the decision to leave the Brazilian forward out of the club’s Premier League squad was not simply down to him or the Tottenham hierarchy.
Richarlison’s proposed return to Brazil collapsed on the final day of the transfer window after negotiations with Vasco da Gama broke down. Tottenham were reportedly willing to sanction the move, but the transfer fell through after the player failed to agree personal terms with the Brazilian club.
With the move now off, the 29-year-old is facing several months without competitive Premier League football. Richarlison was left out of Tottenham’s 25-man league squad, meaning he is expected to be unavailable for domestic league action for roughly the next four months.
De Zerbi Makes Tottenham’s Position Clear
De Zerbi had previously indicated that Tottenham had made significant efforts to find a solution for Richarlison during the summer. When asked whether he regretted leaving the striker out of the Premier League squad, the Italian suggested the situation was far more complicated than a simple managerial decision.
De Zerbi explained that he had spoken to Richarlison several times and personally tried to convince him to remain at Tottenham. He also stressed that he respects the Brazilian as a person and considers him a talented footballer.
However, the Spurs boss hinted that events behind the scenes during the final weeks of the transfer window had a major influence on what happened. While refusing to disclose the specific details, De Zerbi suggested that both the club’s efforts and Richarlison’s own actions contributed to the eventual outcome.
Spurs Wanted Richarlison to Stay
Despite everything that has happened, De Zerbi revealed that Richarlison was initially part of his plans for the new season.
The manager admitted that he was disappointed with how the situation developed, believing it could have ended very differently. According to De Zerbi, Tottenham wanted the forward to remain in North London and there was even a possibility that he could have continued his career at the club and potentially discussed a new contract.
De Zerbi also pointed to Richarlison’s contribution last season, insisting that the striker’s previous importance to the team should not simply be forgotten.
At the same time, the Italian believes the events of the past six weeks must also be taken into account when judging the current situation.
For De Zerbi, the frustrating part is that Richarlison could still have been an important member of the squad. Instead, the failed move to Vasco has left the Brazilian facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.
The manager’s comments suggest that Richarlison’s omission was the result of a complicated series of events between the player and Tottenham during the summer, rather than a decision made by De Zerbi alone.
