Richarlison hits back at Tottenham over transfer speculation
Tottenham forward Richarlison has taken to social media to counter claims that he has repeatedly asked to leave the club, releasing a strongly-worded statement in which he insists no one will decide his future for him. The 29-year-old Brazil international spoke out on Monday, a day after his manager Roberto De Zerbi said the striker had been left out of the squad for Saturday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle because "too many times he asked to leave," as reported by multiple outlets.
In his statement, Richarlison said: "After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me." He added, "I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me. I've been through far worse, believe me."
The forward, who joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 for a reported £60 million, expressed his desire to return to his former club, stating, "If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club." He also stressed that while he is open to a move, it would only happen on terms that also benefit Tottenham: "I've always made it clear, every time I had the chance, that leaving for another club would only happen if it was also good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it."
Conflicting accounts over transfer request
The dispute centers on how the possible transfer came about. De Zerbi, in comments reported by Hindustan Times and Liverpool Echo, said on Saturday that Richarlison had repeatedly expressed a desire to leave. However, Richarlison's statement paints a different picture, suggesting that decisions about his future have been made by others without his consent. Earlier in the week, he had posted a cryptic message on social media saying, "I am the villain in many stories that are poorly told," as reported by Liverpool Echo.
Richarlison's statement continued: "Just like I didn't accept it when everything was going badly and they needed me. I stayed and gave everything. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect I've always shown Spurs and everyone who worked with me during this period. Just don't try to decide for me."
Everton talks and transfer deadline context
According to Hindustan Times, Everton are in talks with Tottenham over a potential deal to bring Richarlison back to Merseyside, and the player has 10 months remaining on his contract, with the club holding an option to extend by a further year, as noted by Liverpool Echo. The forward, who scored 53 goals in 152 appearances for Everton and was pivotal in helping the club avoid relegation in the 2021-22 season, has struggled to make an impact at Tottenham, though he scored 12 goals in the 2025-26 campaign as the team narrowly avoided relegation, according to Hindustan Times.
The move would come as Everton seek attacking reinforcements after selling Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City, with the club also linked with a late move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, as reported by the Evening Standard.
Richarlison, who has been open about his mental health struggles, concluded his statement by affirming his commitment: "Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club's disposal." The transfer window closes on Tuesday, leaving little time for the two clubs to reach an agreement.