“Threats and retaliatory measures!” Is a transfer row escalating at Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day?

Richarlison is desperate to leave Tottenham this summer and return to Everton. But a move to the Toffees now looks unlikely, which has seemingly prompted the striker to make a remarkable statement.

"After everything I have been through in recent years, I have decided that NEVER AGAIN will others determine my future for me," Richarlison said via his social media channels.

He said he had "been through a lot of terrible things lately - and almost all of it happened because of other people's decisions. Pressure, threats, reprisals - none of that scares me. I have been through worse, believe me."

Richarlison joined Spurs from the Toffees in the summer of 2022 for a fee of 58 million euros, but he repeatedly struggled with injuries and poor form. The 29-year-old never truly settled during those four years. Spurs, meanwhile, pushed for a radical new start this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur launch incredible transfer spree after near-relegation

For more than 200 million euros, Tottenham have brought in a new midfield control centre with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. In attack, Savinho (88 million) and Omar Marmoush (loan with option to buy) arrived from Manchester City. Mykhaylo Mudryk, who was suspended for 20 months, will also join Spurs.

Although Richarlison still played 68 minutes in the disastrous start to the season at Brentford (0-3), he was not even in the squad for the 0-2 defeat against Newcastle last weekend. The message was clear, and the Brazilian has now made it clear he wants out too.

He said he had only stayed because "they needed me when everything here was falling apart", apparently referring to the catastrophic previous season, at the end of which Spurs almost went down. "That is why I hope you treat my situation with the same respect I always had for Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this time. Just do not decide for me."

Because of Manchester City? Richarlison move apparently off

At the same time, he again underlined his desire to return to Everton in Liverpool, "my favourite club". The 29-year-old also admitted the move had become difficult. "The negotiations did not go the way people had hoped, and so it will not happen now either. Despite this turbulence, I have a contract with Spurs and remain available to the club."

The background is that Spurs also wanted to do business with the Toffees and complete another major transfer by signing attacking player liman Ndiaye. The door for a Richarlison return therefore seemed open. While the Toffees are said to be demanding 70 million euros for Ndiaye, Richarlison was still supposed to bring Spurs 40 million euros according to The Athletic. A swap deal in which Tottenham would still pay extra did not seem unlikely.

Now, though, things are apparently turning out differently: Manchester City are said to have entered the transfer poker for Ndiaye and to be in advanced talks with Everton. An agreement worth 75 million euros is even said to have already been reached.

That is why Spurs have now turned their attention to Mudryk from Chelsea, and Richarlison could end up the big loser in the transfer turmoil.