Richarlison could be set to make an emotional return to Everton, just four years after he left the club to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison
Richarlison(Image: (Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Richarlison has teased a return to Everton with the club locked in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a deal. Richarlison has already informed Roberto De Zerbi that he wants to leave Spurs after struggling for form and fitness throughout his time in North London.
The forward was Tottenham’s top goalscorer in the Premier League last season, but was left out of the squad for their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. De Zerbi revealed after the game that the reason for the Brazilian’s absence was that he informed the club he wants to leave.
And taking to social media on Sunday afternoon, Richarlison posted a picture of himself posing thinking alongside an image with a message written on a wall which, translated to English, read: “I am the villain of many. Poorly told stories.”
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Richarlison's post on Instagram
Richarlison's post on Instagram
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“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave," De Zerbi revealed on Saturday. “(Kevin) Danso came to me two days ago, and he said he wants to leave.
"Pape Sarr (said) the same, but he suffered a small injury. He is almost ready to train.”
The Brazilian, who joined the Blues for £30m from Watford back in 2018, completed a £60m move to Spurs at the start of the 2022 summer transfer window.
The forward, who made 152 appearances and scored 53 goals for the Blues, became a fans' favourite during his time on Merseyside.
Richarlison celebrates his goal with a flare during the match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on May 1, 2022
Richarlison celebrates his goal with a flare during the match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on May 1, 2022(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
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He was also instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation to the Sky Bet Championship during his final season at Goodison Park.
The Blues are also believed to be working on a deal to bring Jack Grealish back to club after he spent last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton committed to an outlay of about £12m to cover the majority of Grealish’s wages when bringing him to the club last summer.
A £50m option to buy was included in the loan agreement by City, but that valuation was placed upon him for accounting purposes.
Another loan deal now appears likely for Grealish, who is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish had appeared as a substitute in City's opening two games of the season but was left out of the squad for Friday’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
“I had the chat with Jack yesterday,” City boss Enzo Maresca said at Selhurst Park. “Again, we see what’s happening in the next 48, 72 hours and we’ll see.”