James Maddison responds to Richarlison’s message after journalist’s transfer reveal
Richarlison could be on the brink of leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Thomas Frank’s rebuild begins to take shape.
Frank had a successful start to his tenure as Tottenham‘s new manager with a 2-0 win over Reading in their first pre-season friendly on 19 July, with goals from Will Lankshear and new signing Luka Vuskovic.
Lankshear is one of several strikers fighting for a place in Frank’s side next season, but his path to a first-team berth will become much easier if Richarlison completes a surprise move to Palmeiras this summer.
Palmeiras’ move for Richarlison is seen as “realistic” by Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery after their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, but it’s unclear if Frank will allow his number nine to be sold.
Richarlison pushing himself towards Tottenham exit in pre-season
Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Richarlison was ready to leave Tottenham this summer ahead of Mohammed Kudus’ possible arrival, and the Ghanaian’s confirmed switch could accelerate his departure.
Kudus is more likely to play from the right-hand side than in Richarlison’s prefered position of up front or cutting in from the left, but the Brazilian’s future still looks set to lie elsewhere at the start of next season.
Richarlison may have already hinted that a move back to Brazil is imminent, but his latest Instagram post (22 July) suggested nothing of the sort as he pushes himself to the limit in pre-season at Enfield.
In a post liked by James Maddison – whose place in Frank’s new-look side is also uncertain – Richarlison said “pre season” alongside a ‘hot face’ emoji after cutting his knee on the pitch.
Tottenham exits beckon amid Richarlison, Maddison uncertainty
Football Insider Verdict
Reports of Richarlison returning to Brazil come after David Moyes closed the door on Everton re-signing the Tottenham forward, after he emerged as a cult hero at Goodison Park between 2018 and 2022.
Richarlison looks increasingly likely to be on his way, but Maddison’s future is by no means certain either amid Tottenham’s continued pursuit of Nottingham Forest number 10 Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.
Gibbs-White is yet to join up with Forest’s squad on their pre-season tour of Portugal as speculation over his future intensifies, and Spurs getting a deal over the line for the England playmaker could leave the writing on the wall for Maddison next season.