Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison is set for a dramatic £35 million return to Everton. The Brazilian international told Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi he wanted to leave the club, according to a report from Daily Mail Sport this week.
Richarlison posted a cryptic message on his Instagram account that read 'I am the villain of many poorly told stories', accompanied by a thinking face emoji and a photograph of a wall with red and black text. The post was liked by Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons. This social media activity came as the transfer, which would see Iliman Ndiaye move to Tottenham for £60 million, neared completion.
Why is Richarlison leaving Tottenham?
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the player's desire for a new challenge. "Richarlison he said too many times that he wanted to leave," the Tottenham manager stated. Richarlison was left out of the squad for Spurs' recent 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United, signaling his imminent departure. He is not alone in seeking an exit. De Zerbi also revealed that defender Kevin Danso and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr have asked to leave, though Sarr is recovering from a minor injury and is nearly ready to resume training.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his Tottenham contract. He joined the club from Everton in a £60 million deal in the summer of 2022. During his time in North London, he scored 32 goals in 134 appearances. His most notable contribution was starting in Tottenham's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.
What did Richarlison achieve at Everton?
Richarlison's potential return is a homecoming for a player who enjoyed significant success at Goodison Park. He previously played for Everton between 2018 and 2022, scoring 53 goals in 152 games. His work rate and goal threat made him a firm fan favourite during a period of transition for the club. His departure two years ago was a major loss for the Toffees' attacking options.
Where does Everton stand currently?
Everton begin this potential reunion from a solid early-season position. They are sixth in the Premier League with four points from two matches, following a win and a draw. Their form reads DW, and they have scored three goals while conceding just one, giving them a +2 goal difference. They sit only two points behind early leaders Manchester City. The squad does have one confirmed absence, with Christian Nørgaard currently sidelined. Fans can track the team's availability on our injuries page.
What happens next for Everton?
The immediate focus shifts to integrating a familiar face if the deal is finalized. Everton's next challenge is a home match against Manchester United on September 6. United are currently tenth in the table. This fixture is a key early test, and adding a proven Premier League scorer like Richarlison could provide a major boost. Supporters can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. His experience and known quality would be a significant addition to a squad looking to build on a positive start and close the gap at the top of the standings.
