Richarlison has been reported for several days to be close to a return to Everton, the club where he played from 2018 to 2022. But as the summer transfer window nears its close, the deal has still not been finalised.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Richarlison wanted to leave the club. One scenario involved two separate transfers: Iliman Ndiaye was to join Tottenham while Richarlison would make the opposite move to Everton. But negotiations over Richarlison's personal terms with Everton stalled the deal.
Manchester City took advantage of the situation to re-enter the race for Ndiaye and reached an agreement with Everton on a base fee of £60 million, with up to £5 million in add-ons, taking the total to around €75 million.
Richarlison plays his card
Faced with this deadlock, Richarlison posted a statement on his social media on Monday evening.
'After everything I've been through in recent years, I've decided that no one will ever decide my future for me again,' he wrote, referring in particular to 'pressure, threats, retaliation'.
He also asked that his situation be handled 'with the same respect' that he says he has always shown Tottenham.
The Brazilian forward confirmed his wish to return to Everton:
'If an agreement is reached between Tottenham and Everton, I will return to the team of my heart.'
He explained, however, that the negotiations had not gone as he had hoped. While awaiting a possible resolution, Richarlison pointed out that he remained under contract with Tottenham and available to the club.
The matter must now be resolved before the transfer window closes on Tuesday at 11pm in England, which is midnight in Senegal. Without an agreement, Richarlison will have to stay at Tottenham until the next transfer window.
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