Tottenham are ready to part ways with Richarlison as they look to build a more robust squad.
Richarlison’s time at Spurs has been anything but smooth, with the Brazilian scoring only three goals in all competitions in his first season before injuries took their toll.
Ange Postecoglou rated the striker highly, and he remains a popular figure in the dressing room and among supporters.
Last summer, he reportedly rejected a move to Saudi Arabia to fight for a place in North London. However, the 28-year-old produced his lowest return of just 15 Premier League appearances last season, prompting Tottenham to push for his exit this summer.
Galatasaray are pursuing Richarlison’s signature
As reported by The Sun (30 June), Galatasaray are interested in signing Richarlison and have been tempted by his £20million price tag.
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Thomas Frank is ready to greenlight the striker’s exit and favours a permanent deal to use the funds for other targets.
It will leave Dominic Solanke as the Dane’s only recognised striker. However, the 51-year-old is in the market for attacking reinforcements and proved at Brentford that he is very adept at converting wide forwards into strikers.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – is still unsure where the former Everton man may end up, but he is adamant that Richarlison does not fit the mould of a Tottenham player.
“I’ve always thought that Richarlison will go to Saudi Arabia,” King said.
“That would generate Tottenham a fee of anywhere between £25-30m. It will be interesting to see if Galatasaray can afford a deal.
“Personally, I’m sure a move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey would suit Richarlison, and he’d be earning big money. He isn’t a Tottenham player, that’s for sure. Therefore, it would be good to get him out the door as quickly as possible.”
Tottenham medical staff in the spotlight
Richarlison had very few injuries before joining Tottenham, who were only behind Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League last season, with 1,553 days lost [PremierInjuries].
Postecoglou’s training methods were partially blamed, but the bulk of the criticism also falls on the medical staff at Hotspur Way.
Cristian Romero opted to return home to get treated with the Argentina national team, while Micky van de Ven sought specialist advice away from N17 for his issues last season.
It is telling that Vinai Venkatesham mentioned that a review of the medical staff was high on his list of prioritites, and Spurs will be hoping that they can improve that field to avoid a repeat of last year’s crippling crisis.