Everton suffered their first-ever defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, and it was Richarlison’s first visit to the new ground.
Richarlison was given a hero’s welcome by Everton fans after his productive four years on Merseyside between 2018 and 2022.
The Brazil international is still adored by many, which is quite unusual in today’s football climate, considering he left to join another Premier League club.
Richarlison has been in much better form this season and actually laid on an assist for Pape Matar Sarr’s goal.
After the game, he was spotted doing something which speaks volumes about his love for Everton.
Richarlison went round the Hill Dickinson Stadium and signed autographs for Everton fans
When Richarlison was substituted on just after the hour mark, Everton fans stood and applauded their former centre-forward.
The 28-year-old was seen sharing a laugh with Jordan Pickford at one stage too, so clearly he was a really well-liked member of the dressing room when he was with the Toffees.
At the full-time whistle, Richarlison paid respect to the Hill Dickinson supporters by signing autographs around the pitch and having chats.
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Richarlison was teasing Everton fans in the summer about a potential return, and after yesterday, it does feel as though there is unfinished business.
Everton News exclusively revealed that Richarlison would be open to rejoining the Toffees, and considering Beto and Thierno Barry are underperforming, the deal could genuinely materialise this winter.
Everton have never replaced Richarlison
When Richarlison left, Everton used some of the funds to sign Neal Maupay, which was a complete disaster.
The following summer, Sean Dyche sanctioned a £30m move for Beto, and you’d have to say he’s been a disappointment, too.
This summer, Everton had a third bite of the cherry and shelled out another £30m on Thierno Barry, but he’s yet to get off the mark.
So, three years on from Richarlison’s exit, the Toffees still haven’t managed to find a replacement and could end up resigning him to finally fill that void.
A telling January window awaits.