Tottenham striker says he is going nowhere
By Tom Vinall
Per London-based Brazilian journalist Joao Castelo-Branco, Richarlison had told ESPN Brazil that he wants to stay in North London.
There have been several reports linking Richarlison to the Saudi Pro League this summer, and just this week reports surfaced of PIF-owned club Al-Alhi wanting the Brazilian striker.
But ESPN Brazil has quoted Richarlison as saying “There has been an offer [from Saudi Arabia] but my dream of playing for the Brazilian Selecao and in the Premier League speaks louder. The money is big but my dreams are bigger.”
These quotes refute claims made this week that he has changed his mind about moving abroad and was open to a move to Saudi Arabia.
ESPN Brazil also says in the same article that Richarlison has informed them that he has “already made his decision” and feels a move to Saudi Arabia could impact his chances of playing for Brazil at the World Cup in 2026.
The likes of Roger Ibanez and Roberto Firmino have not received a single Brazil national team call-up since moving to Al-Alhi, so his concerns are totally understandable.
Tottenham striker says he is going nowhere
Richarlison scored 11 goals in 18 Premier League starts last season, proving himself as a serviceable player for a side pushing for the top 4.
“18 starts” is the keyword there, however. It is important that Richarlison is available when Spurs need him next season.
Much like Destiny Udogie, Richarlison missed the tail end of last season and subsequently the Copa America (Euros for Udogie) and has since missed every pre-season game as a result.
Some minutes for Richarlison against Bayern would be really important for him to try and get up to scratch ahead of the opening game against Leicester City.
It will be very interesting to see if Dominic Solanke is a financially viable option for Spurs now after these quotes from the Spurs number 9.
Solanke and Richarlison both at the club would be strong and healthy competition and some really useful depth that Spurs have been lacking.
Spurs are going to play a minimum of seven more games than they did last season, so everybody will get their chance to have a run of starts.
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