De Zerbi Unsure Over Richarlison’s Tottenham Future Amid Mixed Signals

De Zerbi Unsure Over Richarlison’s Tottenham Future Amid Mixed Signals
Brazilian striker scores stoppage time winner against Chelsea in Sydney Super Cup.
Tottenham continue summer rebuild as Richarlison’s future remains under discussion.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he is uncertain whether Richarlison will remain at the club beyond the summer after revealing that the Brazilian forward has sent mixed signals about his future.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that

Richarlison, 29, whose contract with Tottenham expires next year, underlined his importance to the club by coming off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage time winner as 10 man Spurs defeated Chelsea 2 1 in the Sydney Super Cup on Saturday, August 1.

Speaking before the match, De Zerbi said Tottenham would respect whatever decision Richarlison ultimately makes but acknowledged that the striker’s future remains unclear.

“I don’t know because I like him as a player and as a guy,” the Italian said. “He’s unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.”

Asked directly whether Richarlison wanted to leave Tottenham, De Zerbi said the player had not made his intentions clear.

“I don’t know. I didn’t understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He’s a lovely guy,” he added.

The Tottenham manager was quick to praise the Brazil international, insisting that his value to the team extends beyond the decisive goal against Chelsea.

“For me, he’s still an important player because it’s not easy to find another striker like Richarlison,” De Zerbi said. “Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don’t know.”

De Zerbi also highlighted Richarlison’s 12 goals during a difficult 2025 26 campaign, stressing that the striker’s record was a result of his ability rather than luck.

“He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score. All of us love him because he works hard every day and we can’t say anything about him on the pitch,” he said.

Richarlison’s future has become a major talking point as Tottenham continue with an ambitious summer rebuild.

The club has already spent a reported club record £237 million on new signings and is still looking to strengthen its attack, with Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo among the players reportedly linked with moves to north London.

Saturday’s victory also extended De Zerbi’s unbeaten start as Tottenham head coach.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the 17th minute with his first goal for the club after his effort deflected in off Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

Chelsea responded four minutes later when Estêvão headed home a cross from Jamie Gittens to level the score.

Tottenham’s task became more difficult early in the second half when Kevin Danso was sent off for bringing down João Pedro after losing possession.

Chelsea dominated possession and created pressure with the numerical advantage, but Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky produced two outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest.

De Zerbi Unsure Over Richarlison’s Tottenham Future

With the match heading towards penalties, Jamie Donley’s late effort struck the post before Richarlison reacted quickest to convert the rebound in the 92nd minute.

The goal sealed Tottenham’s 2 1 victory and handed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso his first defeat since taking charge of the club.