Tottenham could be handed a surprise route to signing Ivan Toney in January through Everton’s reported interest in Richarlison, according to ESPN.
The former Spurs forward has endured a difficult spell since his move away from Goodison Park, and a potential return to Merseyside is now being explored as the January transfer window approaches. While any deal would be complex, the report suggests it could have significant knock-on effects across the Premier League striker market.
Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, is understood to be keen on a return to England, and his situation is closely linked to Richarlison’s future. With Tottenham also monitoring their attacking options ahead of the winter window, this developing storyline could yet become one of the most intriguing transfer chains of January.
Everton interest in Richarlison could unlock Ivan Toney path for Spurs
According to ESPN, Everton are exploring the possibility of re-signing Richarlison, just a short time after his exit from the club. Any move would not be straightforward financially, but Everton believe there could be scope to bring the Brazilian back if conditions align. That interest is significant for Tottenham because it could help facilitate their pursuit of Ivan Toney, who is keen to return to the Premier League from Al Ahli.
Toney’s link to Tottenham is notable due to his previous relationship with Thomas Frank from their time together at Brentford. Frank knows the striker’s qualities better than most, and Spurs are understood to be open to adding a proven goalscorer to their squad if circumstances allow. However, ESPN report that Everton are also considering a direct move for Toney themselves, meaning Spurs could face competition from the very club attempting to sign Richarlison.
Despite receiving a reported £100 million cash injection from their majority owners in October, ESPN state that those funds have been earmarked to strengthen Tottenham’s overall financial position rather than being diverted into a January spending spree. As a result, Spurs’ ability to pursue Toney outright appears limited unless player movement creates room to manoeuvre.
The report also notes that Tottenham do not have a large pool of high-value, easily sellable assets, which only adds to the complexity of any winter business. That reality increases the importance of the Richarlison situation, with his potential exit one of the few obvious ways Spurs could generate flexibility.
Why the Richarlison-Toney link makes sense but remains risky
From an analytical standpoint, the logic behind this potential transfer chain is clear. Tottenham need greater reliability in front of goal, and Toney offers a proven Premier League profile that few available strikers can match. His physicality, finishing and link-up play would give Spurs a different dimension in attack, particularly during periods when injuries limit their options.
At the same time, Richarlison’s possible return to Everton would offer the player a familiar environment where he once thrived and where expectations are different to those at Tottenham. From Everton’s perspective, re-signing a player who understands the club and the pressure of fighting near the bottom of the table could be seen as a relatively safe move.
However, there are significant risks on all sides. For Spurs, committing resources to Toney - described as 'world-class' by Hermann Hreidarsson - without a clear financial pathway would be difficult given the restrictions outlined by ESPN. For Everton, undertaking another major deal for Richarlison would come with obvious financial considerations and questions over whether his form can truly be revived.
For Toney himself, the decision is also far from straightforward. A return to England would put him back under heavy scrutiny, and interest from multiple clubs only complicates his next move.
What happens next for Tottenham, Everton and Toney
As January approaches, movement on Richarlison is now one of the key factors to watch. If Everton formally move to bring him back, it could quickly accelerate developments around Toney’s future. Should that not happen, Spurs’ pursuit of a striker may remain on hold due to the financial limitations outlined by ESPN.
Everton’s potential involvement in a direct move for Toney also adds an extra layer of intrigue, with both clubs possibly competing for the same player. For now, this remains a developing triangle, but any progress on one side is likely to have immediate consequences for the others as the winter window draws closer.