Tottenham star Richarlison responds to Everton exit announcement
Tottenham forward Richarlison has responded to a farewell message from an outgoing Everton player.
The Brazil international was named in Ange Postecoglou’s starting lineup when Spurs defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, 21 May.
Before moving to Tottenham in 2022, the 28-year-old scored 53 goals in 152 Everton appearances, while the Toffees are keen on re-signing Richarlison.
He has fallen out of favour with the North London club, making just four Premier League starts this season.
Richarlison responds as Joao Virginia bids farewell to Everton
Joao Virginia is leaving Everton at the end of the season, having made just two appearances across all competitions this term.
The goalkeeper took to Instagram [26 May] to deliver a message to the Merseyside club, as he wrote: “To everyone at Everton. I want to express my deepest gratitude, what a journey these past seven years have been.
“The club gave me the opportunity to grow, to play, and train at the highest level. It made me the person and player I am today, and for that, I will always be thankful. The Toffees always welcomed and supported me since day one.
“Now I leave being forever one of your own. I will always cherish the friendship and the memories created with staff and teammates during these years, and for that, I am really grateful.
“Everton has truly been like family to me, and I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for the club. Thank you for everything, it’s been an unforgettable chapter of my life.
“Forever a blue, João Virginia.”
During his last Everton appearance, Virginia maintained a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
Everton make contact with Liam Delap amid transfer interest
While it remains to be seen whether Richarlison returns to Merseyside, the Toffees have set their sights on a move for Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap.
| Richarlison Everton stats | 2018-2022 |
| Appearances | 152 |
| Goals | 53 |
The England Under-21 international has attracted plenty of high-profile suitors in the transfer window, while both Everton and Manchester United have contacted Delap’s camp.
Should the Blues beat Ruben Amorim’s side to the 22-year-old’s signature, he could prove to be a great signing for David Moyes’ men as they look to enjoy a successful first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Merseyside club have re-established themselves as a solid outfit in the Premier League and won each of their last three games in the top flight.
Should Delap agree terms with the Toffees, as opposed to Man United, he could help Moyes’ men land a top-half spot, or even challenge for the European spots next season.
Having scored 12 goals for Ipswich in the Premier League this season, he could prove to be more clinical for an Everton outfit who should not face a relegation battle next term.