Richarlison’s Tottenham future remains undecided as Roberto De Zerbi prepares to evaluate the Brazil forward during pre-season. Spurs are open to offers if they secure a new striker, but the 29-year-old’s pace and knack for key moments mean he could still stay as a rotational option while clubs from Everton to Saudi Arabia, Brazil and MLS circle.
Richarlison’s place at Tottenham hangs on pre-season form and transfer activity
Roberto De Zerbi will have the final say on whether Richarlison remains part of Tottenham Hotspur’s plans after using pre-season to assess the forward’s fitness, tactical fit and consistency.
The Brazil international has shown flashes — including scoring in a recent friendly — but persistent inconsistency has left his long-term role unresolved.
Pre-season audition: a clear, short timeline
De Zerbi values movement, pressing and technical intelligence. For Richarlison, that means this pre-season is less an extended evaluation and more a concentrated audition. Impressing in training and friendly matches can keep him in contention as a valuable rotational striker or impact sub; failing to stand out makes a summer exit likelier, especially if Spurs land a new centre-forward.
Club strategy: only sell if replacement arrives
Tottenham’s stated approach is pragmatic: they will consider offers for Richarlison, but only if they can secure a reliable replacement. That policy protects squad depth but also puts pressure on transfer activity — signings will determine whether Richarlison is moved on or retained as cover. Expect decisions to be made late in the window, once the market and pre-season performances are clearer.
Who might come calling?
Several destinations have been linked with Richarlison. Everton could be interested in a reunion, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Brazil reportedly see him as a realistic target. Major League Soccer is another plausible pathway, offering a mix of commercial appeal and a different competitive environment. Each destination presents different incentives: playing time and familiarity at Everton, financial packages in Saudi Arabia, a homecoming in Brazil, or a new challenge in MLS.
What Richarlison offers — and where he falls short
Strengths: pace on the counter, aerial ability, and a tendency to deliver high-impact moments that can change games. Weaknesses: marked inconsistency and questions over work-rate and suitability for a high-pressing, possession-oriented system. Under De Zerbi, those weaknesses are magnified; the manager needs forwards who contribute defensively and fit intricate attacking patterns.
Implications for Tottenham’s season
If Richarlison stays as a secondary option, Spurs retain a versatile impact player who can rotate across the front line. If he departs without a clear replacement, Spurs risk lacking depth and goalscoring variety — a thin attack would expose them over a long campaign. Conversely, a new signing would likely push Richarlison down the pecking order and reshape tactical choices up front.
What to watch next
Monitor Richarlison’s minutes and influence during pre-season matches, any incoming striker signings, and official club announcements as the transfer window progresses.
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Those developments will reveal whether Richarlison is being kept as strategic depth or shipped out to balance the squad and budget.
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