Roberto De Zerbi has provided further clarity on Richarlison's uncertain future at Tottenham Hotspur after the Brazilian forward was omitted from the club's Premier League squad list. The 29-year-old had already been left out of the matchday squad for last weekend's game against Newcastle United, with De Zerbi revealing at the time that Richarlison had communicated a desire to leave north London before the transfer window closed.
A potential return to former club Everton had appeared to be on the cards, but the move failed to materialize, prompting Richarlison to express his displeasure with how the negotiations unfolded via social media. Despite the collapsed deal, Spurs and the striker are reportedly continuing to explore options for his departure, with reported interest emerging from clubs in Turkey.
Addressing the speculation, De Zerbi was cautious about confirming any concrete developments. "I don't know if there is an offer from Turkey. I don't know if the club accepted this offer. I know there was an offer before the end of the transfer market closed. And he didn't accept, but for me, nothing changed," the Italian coach said.
Richarlison's situation is notable given his importance to the team last season, when he finished as Tottenham's leading scorer across all competitions. However, De Zerbi has maintained a consistent stance throughout the summer, indicating that any player wishing to depart would be permitted to do so provided a suitable agreement could be reached between all parties involved.
The head coach detailed how the situation had developed since preseason. "I think Richarlison, he decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season. He told me his desire was to leave, and then we went to bring another striker," De Zerbi explained. He emphasized his philosophy regarding squad harmony, stating he wants players who remain at the club to do so with genuine enthusiasm and commitment, adding that the specifics of any transfer are ultimately the club's responsibility rather than his own.
"The message of Richarlison from the beginning of this season has been very clear. I accepted that, and nothing. For me, nothing," he continued, reiterating his position that if a player does not wish to stay, there is little justification in retaining them on the squad list.
De Zerbi was firm in distancing himself from the commercial aspects of any potential deal, insisting that his role is confined to coaching rather than negotiating fees or club policy. "I'm just working for my club. The players if they don't want to stay, it is not my problem. The price in the transfer market is not my problem. You have to speak with the club, but it is not right when the player wants to leave and the club don't want to sell," he said.
The conversation around player commitment extended to Lucas Bergvall, who was reportedly also open to leaving at one stage but was ultimately included in the Premier League squad. De Zerbi confirmed that after roughly ten days of preseason, the young midfielder and his representatives informed sporting director Johan Lange that Bergvall wished to remain at the club. The manager expressed enthusiasm about working with the Swedish talent going forward, praising his potential and describing him as a significant asset for the squad.
As the transfer window developments continue to unfold, Richarlison's long-term future at Tottenham remains unresolved, with all parties seemingly still searching for a resolution that satisfies the player, the club, and any interested suitors.
Based on reporting from standard-football.