Richarlison's 'most likely' destination revealed amid Tottenham U-turn

Richarlison could now stay at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the summer transfer window in an unexpected twist.

The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the again this summer but he is winning over manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Brazil international scored during Spurs' 2-0 win against Aukland FC on 26 July, and there is a belief that he can still have a role to play despite concerns about his consistency.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that De Zerbi is prepared to assess Richarlison during pre-season training to decide his place in the squad.

While they hope not to have to rely on him as part of the starting XI, the striker could still play a backup role or as an impact sub for a new first-choice striker.

Concerns have lingered about the lack of depth in attacking areas, and while they continue to target a new addition up front, Richarlison remains part of the plans.

Could Tottenham accept offers for Richarlison this summer?

Brown told Football Insider on 26 July that Tottenham are planning to accept new offers for Richarlison, but will only do so if they can land a new striker in the market.

However, that could change if he impresses De Zerbi in pre-season, with any final decision about his future at the club likely to be made towards the end of the window.

Should an acceptable offer arrive, Spurs will be prepared to let him go, but for now he still has a role to play and is keen to prove himself under De Zerbi.

"The thing is with Richarlison, he does tend to pop up with a good display when you need him," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's nowhere near consistent enough, that's his biggest problem, but he will show you flashes and moments where you can see why he's still part of that squad.

"As a backup or a rotational player, he does still have something to offer Tottenham, and it wouldn't be such a concern if they did have a more regular goalscorer.

"So when you ask about what his most likely destination will be, there is still a chance he can stay at Tottenham and be part of the squad.

"Roberto De Zerbi will have a look at him in pre-season, and if he can perform at his best, then there's no real reason he couldn't have a part to play when the season starts.

"If they do sign a new striker, it will push him down the pecking order and then we'll see, but if not then he can still be a Tottenham player."

Which clubs are interested in signing Richarlison?

With Tottenham yet to make a clear decision about Richarlison's future at the club, the level of interest in his signature could determine whether or not he moves on.

Everton are believed to have been keeping tabs on the forward's progress since he left the club in 2022, and have been widely tipped to bring him back to Merseyside.

However, Football Insider revealed at mid-way through last season that clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil are considering moves to sign Richarlison in the near future.

A return to his home country has been previously tipped as his most likely option, while the money on offer from the Saudi Pro League would inevitably prove tempting.

The Brazil international has also been linked with a move to the MLS, where he could follow in the footsteps of former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi.