Richarlison’s three-year spell at Tottenham is set to end as the club look to cash in this summer.
It was widely reported that the 28-year-old rejected a move to Saudi Arabia last summer in hopes of locking down a place at Spurs, but those prospects have gradually dissipated.
The striker only mustered 15 Premier League appearances last season as injuries continued to haunt him.
Thomas Frank was brought in to increase Tottenham’s competitiveness across multiple competitions, and the Dane is unlikely to be willing to rely on a player who is often unavailable.
The North Londoners have targeted several forwards this summer, with the latest update casting further doubt on Richarlison’s future.
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Tottenham to make £50m bid for Mohammed Kudus
Tottenham’s pursuit of a wide forward has encouraged them to prepare a £50m bid for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, as reported by The Guardian (18 June).
The Ghana international fits the profile of player that Frank wants to bring in, with Bryan Mbeumo, whom the Dane successfully turned into one of the leading forwards in the Premier League at Brentford, also linked to Tottenham.
However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the initial bid will be below West Ham’s valuation, with Kudus’ release clause set at £85m, but that it points towards Richarlison leaving Spurs.
“It is going to take more than £50m to sign Kudus,” King said.
“West Ham paid £42m for him originally. Therefore, if a deal is going to be agreed between Tottenham and West Ham, it won’t be £50m. Why shouldn’t West Ham hold out for the £85m, that is the release clause?
“If they could sign a player for £42m and sell him for more than double, that would be good business. Kudus was happy to sign that contract, West Ham were happy to sign that contract, and Tottenham are going to come in with an offer of £50m. However, this does point toward Richarlison leaving.”
Kudus’ versatility makes him an ultimate weapon for Frank
Frank’s approach at Spurs remains to be seen, but if his time with the Bees is anything to go by, he is expected to employ multiple formations, each of which suits Kudus.
In the typical 4-3-3 formation that Tottenham employed last season, Kudus would likely occupy the right and offer Tottenham a different dynamic with his exceptional dribbling and ball-carrying.
However, should the Dane adopt a 5-3-2 shape, the former Ajax star’s direct running and surprisingly good aerial ability could see him line up alongside a striker, like Dominic Solanke, and play off him with his pace and keen eye for goal.
The 24-year-old’s versatility would allow Frank to change formations between and during games, and could prove to be his best weapon at Tottenham.