Richarlison was unable to secure a move away from Tottenham during the summer transfer window.
Richarlison is reportedly taking drastic measures to force a return to Brazil
Richarlison is reportedly taking drastic measures to force a return to Brazil (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
Tottenham forward Richarlison is attempting to force the club into tearing up his contract and allowing him to return to Brazil, according to reports in South America. The experienced forward was the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer window. There were discussions regarding a possible swap deal between Tottenham and Everton that would have seen Iliman Ndiaye move the other way. However, the latter ultimately secured a switch to Manchester City.
Richarlison issued a statement appearing to criticise Tottenham amidst the rumours surrounding a potential Everton return. He said: "After everything I've gone through in recent years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN would they decide my future for me. I went through a lot of bad things during this time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me. I've been through worse things... believe me!
"I have always made it clear, at every opportunity, that my departure to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just as I didn't accept it when everything here was crumbling and they needed me.
"I stayed and gave my life. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I have always had for Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this period. Just don't try to decide for me.
"If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton I will return to my heart's club. My intention was indeed to return to the place where I was very happy.
"It's just that negotiations were going the way people wanted, and it won't be that way anymore. Despite this turmoil, I have a contract with Spurs and I will be at the club's disposal."
Richarlison has since attracted interest from Turkish outfit Trabzonspor. It's been reported that he agreed a move to the club, but Tottenham rebuffed two bids, with the highest reaching £20million.
Brazilian publication Globo now suggests that Richarlison is prepared to go to war with Tottenham in a bid to engineer his departure from the club.
The forward is said to be considering legal action against the north Londoners
The forward is said to be considering legal action against the north Londoners (Image: Getty)
The report states that he is considering legal action in a desperate attempt to terminate his contract and facilitate a move to Vasco De Gama.
Richarlison has been left out of Roberto De Zerbi's 25-man Premier League squad, restricting his first-team opportunities solely to cup competitions.
The Brazilian is reportedly drawing on the precedent set by Renan Lodi, who successfully secured a contract termination at Al-Hilal after being excluded from his Saudi Pro League squad.
Vasco De Gama are understood to be exploring a potential arrangement that would see Richarlison reunite with his childhood club, though they are unlikely to meet the asking price in excess of £20m.
FIFA regulations are also reported to be presenting significant obstacles to any potential loan agreement.
Richarlison has been at Tottenham since his move from Everton in 2022. During his time at the club, he has racked up 134 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 15 assists, though his sole outing this campaign came in the opening fixture against Brentford.