Pundit can’t believe Richarlison role amid ‘intriguing’ Tottenham claim
Noel Whelan has suggested Richarlison could struggle to fit into the Tottenham line-up after completing his £60million move from Everton.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old’s best position is in the number nine role – which is currently occupied by Harry Kane.
Tottenham confirmed the signing of Richarlison on Friday (1 July) – with the Brazil international signing a contract until 2027.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed later that day that Antonio Conte’s side will pay a potential £60million fee for the forward after add-ons.
The former Watford man has scored 48 goals in 172 Premier League games to date.
Whelan suggested Richarlison could end up being a £60million backup during his first season at Tottenham.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Where does he fit into Tottenham’s line-up and that front three?
“Kulusevski is on one side, he’s done extremely well – and he’s Conte’s player. And then you’ve got Son and Harry Kane in the other positions.
“It is competition, and Richarlison won’t be playing week-in, week-out. Conte found a really good balance last season, and he won’t want to be chopping and changing for the sake of it.
“I think his best position is in that number nine role. We’ve seen him do that for Brazil and for Everton.
“We’ve always talked about Tottenham needing a backup for Kane – but a £60million backup? That’s pretty expensive to be sitting on the bench.
“It’s going to be intriguing to see how he starts the season.”
Tottenham have already completed the signings of Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, and Fraser Forster this summer.
Spurs will play Champions League football in the 2022-23 season.
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