Richarlison axed from Tottenham squad as exit moves closer

The 29-year-old remains a Tottenham player, but his omission comes after a public declaration that he wants control over his own future.

Richarlison made his frustration clear on social media this week, saying he would no longer allow other people to make decisions about his career.

"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 said.

"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."

The forward also insisted that he had always tried to put Tottenham's interests first when considering his future.

"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," he said.

"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."

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi also suggested Richarlison could leave, claiming the player had "said too many times he wants to leave" following Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle.

A return to Everton, where Richarlison spent four seasons before joining Tottenham in 2022, was discussed but did not materialise before the Premier League transfer deadline.

His future could still be resolved with transfer windows in other countries remaining open. Turkish club Trabzonspor have been linked with a move, with reports claiming the forward has agreed personal terms.

Richarlison joined Tottenham four years ago but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent first-choice player. He scored 12 goals during the 2025/26 season as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation.

For now, he remains under contract at Tottenham, but his exclusion from the Premier League squad and his own comments suggest his time in north London could be coming to an end.

"I stayed and gave everything," Richarlison said. "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."

Tottenham play next in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground on Saturday.