Trabzonspor's approach for Richarlison
Trabzonspor have made a swift approach for Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison, with a bid submitted and rejected within 24 hours, according to The Athletic. The Turkish club are looking to strengthen their squad after the high-profile arrival of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool earlier this summer, and the Turkish transfer window remains open until Friday, September 4, well after the English deadline has passed.
It is unclear whether Trabzonspor will make a second bid before Friday's deadline. The club are also navigating a period of instability after parting company with head coach Fatih Tekke.
Richarlison is the subject of firm interest from Trabzonspor and could move before the closure of the Turkish window on Friday night, as reported by The Guardian. The 29-year-old appears to want the move and is understood to have agreed personal terms with the club.
De Zerbi confirms exit request
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has said Richarlison asked to leave. Speaking after a home loss to Newcastle, De Zerbi said the Brazilian had requested to leave "too many times" this summer. De Zerbi did not stand in the way of two other players who sought moves before the England deadline on Tuesday night: Kevin Danso and Pape Sarr, who joined Sunderland and Juventus respectively on loans with purchase clauses.
A potential move to Everton fell through after Richarlison rejected the personal terms put forward by the Merseyside club. Tottenham had tried to sign Iliman Ndiaye, but the forward instead joined Manchester City for £60m plus £5m in add-ons.
Richarlison's social media statement
On Monday evening, Richarlison used social media to say he would not be forced into a move he did not want. Writing on Instagram, he 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: "Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me."
Richarlison was Tottenham's top scorer in the Premier League last season with 11 goals. He has one year left on his contract, with an option for an additional year.
Context and implications
Trabzonspor signed Mohamed Salah on a free transfer from Liverpool over the summer but have endured a difficult start, taking four points from three league matches and losing 5-0 on aggregate to Ferencvaros in the Europa League playoff round.
Tottenham currently have 18 senior non-homegrown players, one more than permitted in a Premier League squad. Xavi Simons is out until March or April with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to De Zerbi. Clubs are permitted to make changes to their squads after the mid-season transfer window.