Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison appears set for a return to Everton, but only if the two clubs can reach an agreement before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Everton is in talks with Tottenham over a deal for the Brazil international, who spent four years at Goodison Park before moving to north London in 2022.
The potential transfer comes amid a public disagreement between Richarlison and Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi said on Saturday that the 29-year-old was omitted from the squad for the 2-0 defeat by Newcastle because “too many times he asked to leave”.
Richarlison offered a very different account of the situation on Instagram on Monday, insisting that he would no longer allow others to determine his future.
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“After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me,” Richarlison wrote.
“I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me. I’ve been through far worse, believe me.
“I’ve always made it clear, every time I had the chance, that leaving for another club would only happen if it was also good for the club. If it wasn’t, I would never accept it. Just like I didn’t accept it when everything was going badly and they needed me.
“I stayed and gave everything. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect I’ve always shown Spurs and everyone who worked with me during this period. Just don’t try to decide for me.”
Richarlison also made clear that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Everton, where he scored 53 goals in 152 appearances between 2018 and 2022.
“If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club,” he said. “My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that.
“Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal.”
Richarlison has struggled for consistency since joining Tottenham, with injuries and form limiting his impact during his four seasons at the club.
He scored 12 goals in the 2025-26 campaign as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
Published on Sep 01, 2026