De Zerbi says Richarlison asked to leave Tottenham at start of pre-season

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that Richarlison told him at the beginning of pre-season that he wanted to leave Tottenham, offering the clearest explanation yet for the Brazilian forward’s exclusion from the club’s Premier League squad.

Tottenham confirmed on Thursday that Richarlison had not been included in their 25-man senior list for the 2026-27 league campaign. The decision leaves the 29-year-old outside De Zerbi’s domestic plans unless his situation changes before the next registration window.

The issue, however, did not emerge at the end of the transfer window. De Zerbi said Richarlison had made his intentions clear from the start of pre-season and that Tottenham subsequently moved to strengthen their attacking options.

“Richarlison, he decided everything alone,” De Zerbi said. “He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season. He told me his desire was to leave.”

The Italian had already addressed the situation after last weekend’s defeat to Newcastle, when he said Richarlison had told the club “too many times” that he wanted to go. De Zerbi’s position has remained consistent: players who want to leave can do so if a suitable financial solution is found for Tottenham.

De Zerbi also confirmed that an offer arrived before the English transfer window closed but was rejected by Richarlison. The forward therefore remained in north London when Premier League clubs completed their summer business.

According to the Evening Standard, talks over a potential return to Everton had taken place but ultimately failed to produce an agreement. The same outlet reports that Turkish side Trabzonspor have since been in discussions with Tottenham and Richarlison, with Turkey’s transfer window remaining open beyond the English deadline.

That leaves Richarlison in an unusual position. He remains under contract with Tottenham but has not been registered for Premier League duty, while the remaining route to an immediate departure depends on an agreement being reached in a market that is still open.

For De Zerbi, the sporting decision appears settled. His comments indicate that Tottenham planned around Richarlison’s request months ago rather than reacting to events in the final days of the window. What remains unresolved is whether the striker can now secure the exit he initially asked for — or spend the coming months at Spurs without a place in their league squad.