Tottenham have finally figured out Richarlison's role
Richarlison has been an enigma ever since he joined Tottenham Hotspur. Even though he was one of the best forwards in the Premier League at Everton and is a forever hero at that club, he began his Spurs career so poorly that Tottenham spent the previous two summer transfer windows looking for any excuse to sell him.
But either fortunately or unfortunately for Tottenham, Richy is fully COYS, and he had no intention of going to Turkey or Saudi Arabia to cash one last fat check. And as it turns out, it was actually pretty fortunate that Richarlison stayed, because without his 11 goals in the Premier League lats season to lead all Spurs players, Tottenham would have 100 percent been relegated with Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani as their two strikers last season.
That's not to say Richarlison is perfect, though. His injury record in the preceding seasons before his decent 2025/26 campaign cannot be forgotten, and the reality is that the Brazilian international was still closer to mediocre than great during the last season, too.
Richarlison has re-earned his place at Tottenham
But as Tottenham Hotspur make one last attempt to sign a top No. 9 before the summer transfer window closes, with Nicolas Jackson linked and fans intent on a final try for Victor Osimhen, it's become clear to Spurs what Richarlison's role needs to be going forward.
Because he is useful to Tottenham. As he did last season and during this preseason, he will work his socks off for the team and will try to scrap for chances. He can get on the end of low crosses and be where he needs to be to score, and while he will never get to 20 goals for Tottenham, he can be a credible backup option for the club.
That is precisely what Tottenham have in mind as they attemp to sign a new striker with real star power - of which there are, sadly, limited options. But fans have seen the light, and whlie many of them are out on Dominic Solanke after an abysmal 2025/26 season, they have warmed up to the idea of keeping Richarlison around.
It's apparent that Tottenham have, too, because there are no longer transfer links around Richarlison. Yes, Everton continue to show cursory interest in a renunion with their club icon, but Tottenham are not biting, especially since they have an option to extend his contract, eliminating any pressure to sell. Keeping Richy around as a veteran backup and in a role where he can run hard and vulture goals is the best policy for now.
