Richarlison is one of three Tottenham players Roberto De Zerbi says have asked to leave the club. Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have also been linked with moves away from Spurs, and none of the three was included in De Zerbi’s match squad for Tottenham’s 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle on Saturday.
Asked about the players’ situations after the match, De Zerbi said:
“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave.”
Danso came to me two days ago and he said wants to leave and Pape Sarr the same, but he suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.”
“I have very good relationships but if they want to leave, they have to bring the solution, the economic solution, to the club, and they can go.”
Tottenham have spent more than £300m this summer in an attempt to restore their competitiveness after finishing 17th in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons. However, Spurs are bottom of the table after losing their opening two matches against Brentford and Newcastle without scoring.
Richarlison was Tottenham’s leading scorer last season with 11 goals and played a key role in their fight to avoid relegation, which was secured on the final day of the campaign.
Earlier in August, De Zerbi said the Brazil international’s future was uncertain, adding that it’s not easy to find another striker like Richarlison
.
Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush joined Tottenham on loan last week and replaced Richarlison in De Zerbi’s starting XI against Newcastle.
Danso could face limited first-team opportunities this season following the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, who will compete for places in central defence. Micky van de Ven’s position was further strengthened when he signed a new contract and was appointed captain.
Sunderland made an offer to sign Danso, who has 36 caps for Austria, on a season-long loan, but Tottenham rejected the proposal.
Sarr’s midfield opportunities have also been affected by the early-window arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Tottenham began a statement summer transfer window by breaking their club-record fee twice in one week.
The 23-year-old Senegal international has attracted interest from several clubs, including teams in the Premier League and Turkish side Besiktas. Juventus are understood to be confident of winning the race to sign him on loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
