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Dejan Kulusevski return update given after 477 days out with specific games set as target

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Dejan Kulusevski is finally nearing a return to action after a injury nightmare totalling 16 months, his international manager Graham Potter has confirmed.

The Sweden international has not played since May 2025 after suffering a knee injury, which ultimately caused him to miss the entirety of last season.

He returned to first-team training with Spurs at the beginning of September, and Potter has stated that he is hopeful of being able to call the 26-year-old up to the Sweden squad for the upcoming international break.

When Dejan Kulusevski could return to football revealed

Sweden will contest four Nations League matches as part of an unusually elongated international break, which runs between September 21 and October 6.

They face Romania at home on September 25, before hosting Poland on September 28.

Two away fixtures then follow against Bosnia and Herzegovina (October 2) and Poland (October 6).

Given he is not yet under consideration for a Spurs comeback under Roberto De Zerbi, Potter says Kulusevski is 'very close' to a return - and wants to reach an agreement with Spurs' medical staff for him to feature in the above fixtures if he is passed fit to do so.

"He's very close. I'm so impressed with him, how he's handled his injury," Potter told Swedish outlet SVT. "Of course, we have to be careful with him.

"I hope he comes with us, but we have to talk to Dejan and Tottenham first.

"The importance of getting Dejan Kulusevski into the national team cannot be emphasised enough. He is incredibly important to the team. We love him, his character and qualities. He is a world-class player and it helps enormously to have him around."

Dejan Kulusevski's complex knee injury explained

Kulusevski underwent surgery on his a right patella injury at the end of the 2024/25 season, with it initially being expected that he would be out for several months.

His absence continued as last season wore on, however, with the lack of updates on his condition leaving Spurs fans concerned.

The 26-year-old had further surgery in March, but did not return to fitness in time to play a part in this summer's World Cup.

In May, following the nation's World Cup squad announcement, Sweden's team doctor Jonas Werner explained the complexity of Kulusevski's injury and exactly why it had taken him so long to recover.

"He hasn't played football in a year, but even the medical assessments made this spring have pointed in the direction that he wouldn't be ready [for the World Cup]," Werner said, as per Fotbollskanalen.

"Cartilage injuries, like in Dejan's case, are troublesome. They are difficult to treat. Plus, he has it in a place that gets a lot of stress. The injury simply hasn't healed enough to handle that stress."

Following Spurs' 0-0 draw away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, manager De Zerbi said Kulusevski had suffered a 'small, small problem' on his return to training but was still making positive strides in the final stages of his recovery.

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Arsenal’s 21-player summer transfer list leaked as two Spurs players included

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The 21-player shortlist targeted for transfers by Mikel Arteta’s side this summer has been revealed, with raids on Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and even both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur planned.

According to Sami Mokbel, via BBC Sport, the Gunners compiled a 21-player shortlist this summer, featuring the likes of Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, and Yan Diomande.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid were able to secure signatures from those players ahead of Arsenal, with the Gunners’ sole attacking signing of the window arriving in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Arteta’s side even targeted three players from their London rivals: Joao Pedro from Chelsea, and both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur.

READ NEXT: Arsenal and Chelsea have spent £175m signing each other's players in PL era and one club is clear winner

Arsenal’s 21-player transfer shortlist revealed

Beyond Tzolis, the Gunners were also able to obtain signatures from Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie, Ezri Konsa and Illan Meslier, bolstering their defence and midfield.

Guimaraes stands tall as Arsenal’s signing of the summer, however, the club’s 20-player shortlist has revealed that Arteta was also pursuing Elliot Anderson, for a brief time.

The ex-Nottingham Forest midfielder signed for Manchester City in one of the Premier League’s most-expensive deals this summer, and Arsenal were made aware of Enzo Maresca’s interest.

As a result, Guimaraes emerged as the club’s primary focus by mid-June, accepting that Anderson’s transfer to the Cityzens was already too advanced.

Conversely, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back duo Romero and van de Ven were perceived as secondary options to begin with, in the event of Arsenal failing to secure Konsa’s services.

The former Villa man was Arteta’s first-choice defensive option, with his ability to play at right-back further alluring the Spaniard.

The Gunners’ wish came true, with Konsa signing in a deal worth £55 million; however, Villa initially rejected an offer for £40 million and appeared reluctant to part ways with the Englishman.

Mokbel’s report also revealed that Arsenal firmly believed they stood a "realistic chance" in signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, before the Brazilian penned a new contract with his La Liga club.

Elsewhere, their pursuit of Julian Alvarez was one of slightly less conviction, as it became quickly apparent that the Argentine had little interest in joining the Gunners.

Additionally, Arsenal were given the option of matching Chelsea’s bid for Villa star Rogers, but refused to do so, standing firm in a valuation far below the £117 million it took from the Blues to secure his services.

READ NEXT: Gary Neville issues apology live on Sky Sports as Arsenal goal disallowed

Arsenal's transfer shortlist in full

Morgan Rogers: Aston Villa

Bradley Barcola: PSG

Kenan Yildiz: Juventus

Yan Diomande: RB Leipzig

Nico Paz: Como

Eli Junior Kroupi: Bournemouth

Elliot Anderson: Nottingham Forest

Joao Pedro: Chelsea

Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid

Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid

Malick Fofana: Lyon

Sandro Tonali: Newcastle

Alex Scott: Bournemouth

Amadou Onana: Aston Villa

Jeremy Monga: Leicester City

Louis Page: Leicester City

Ivan Fresneda: Sporting Lisbon

Cristian Romero: Tottenham Hotspur

Mickey van de Ven: Tottenham Hotspur

Jacobo Ramon: Como

Tarik Muharemovic: Sassuolo

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Richarlison left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad after agreeing to eye-watering transfer

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Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad after being told he is not part of Roberto De Zerbi's plans - and it appears he's on the verge of leaving for a new club.

Ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, it looked like Richarlison was going to join former club Everton in a somewhat unexpected move.

A report from The Athletic on Sunday claimed that a transfer had been agreed in principle for the Brazil international to return to Merseyside, with the deal being subject to personal terms and a medical.

It later emerged that a package worth £35 million had been agreed between the clubs, but the proposed transfer fell through after an eventful few hours that involved Richarlison releasing a cryptic statement.

The 29-year-old does not feature in Roberto De Zerbi's plans for the upcoming season, and that was relayed on Thursday afternoon after being left out of their Premier League squad. So, what next?

Richarlison has yet to secure a move elsewhere, but the Brazilian has agreed to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims they are prepared to triple his current salary.

As per Capology, Richarlison currently earns £90,000 per week excluding bonuses at Tottenham. You do the math.

The North London club are said to have turned down bids from Trabzonspor worth £15 million and £20 million, although a new proposal for the player is expected in the coming hours.

The Turkish transfer deadline is on Friday (4 September).

Trabzonspor have splashed some serious cash this summer

As they look to challenge the likes of Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas this season, Trabzonspor have added some high-profile names to their ranks in recent weeks, including Mohamed Salah.

After leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract, Salah penned a two-year deal with the club last month worth £14.5 million per season, which equates to around £280,00-a-week.

Salah's former Liverpool teammate Fabinho has also joined the ranks alongside Franculino and Aral Simsir, who both joined from Danish side FC Midtjylland for £14.6 million and £12.8 million respectively.

Richarlison will not work under Fatih Tekke if he joins Trabzonspor

Earlier this week, Trabzonspor accepted the resignation of head coach Fatih Tekke, days after they initially rejected his request to step down.

Tekke handed in his notice after his side were knocked out of the Europa League by Hungarian club Ferencvaros.

Trabzonspor confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached a "mutual understanding" with Tekke, who led the club to a third-place finish in the league last season.

"As a result of the discussions held, we have mutually agreed to part ways with Fatih Tekke in line with Trabzonspor's interests and future-oriented goals," they said in a statement.

"Over his approximately 18‑month tenure, Fatih Tekke brought significant value to Trabzonspor.

"Beyond contributing to the development of the players added to our squad during this period, he delivered important sporting and financial gains for our club. By bringing the Turkish Cup back to our museum, he once again wrote his name into Trabzonspor's history.

"At this point, we reached a mutual understanding with our coach - who stated he would never allow his presence to harm Trabzonspor in any way - that drawing a new roadmap, prioritising the club's interests above all else, had become unavoidable.

"We thank our coach for his efforts, his dedicated work, the successes he delivered, and the value he added to Trabzonspor."

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Tottenham in danger of breaking Premier League rule as Roberto De Zerbi set to make crucial Deadline Day decision

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Tottenham in danger of breaking Premier League rule as Roberto De Zerbi set to make crucial Deadline Day decision - SPORTbible
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Tottenham Hotspur have been busy in the transfer window this summer as they build a squad for Roberto De Zerbi to compete for silverware this season.

This has seen Spurs acquire the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, and Savio, with their total expenditure being £304.5 million.

However, they have not had the desired impact on the club in their opening two fixtures, as they were comfortably beaten by both Brentford and Newcastle United.

This poor start has seen De Zerbi and Spurs once again turn towards the transfer market to find solutions, with the club now set to acquire two signings from their London rivals Chelsea.

The arrival of Mykhailo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo will mean that Spurs have made 10 additions to their squad this summer, the Ukrainian joining on loan, while the defender makes a permanent move that will initially cost £ 7 million before rising with add-ons.

However, these deals will have a seismic impact upon the club as they are set to break a Premier League rule, one relating to non-homegrown players.

Premier League clubs can register up to 25 senior players for the 2026/27 season, but the rules state that only 17 can be non-homegrown.

A homegrown player is someone who was registered with an English or Welsh club for at least three complete seasons before turning 21, with the player being developed, not their nationality, alongside the fact that eligible Under-21 players sit outside this limit.

These two additions will mean that Spurs have 18 non-homegrown players and so they will have to bid farewell to one of their squad to follow the rules of the Premier League.

Solutions to Tottenham Hotspur’s non-homegrown player issue

The obvious solution is to bid farewell to Richarlison, with Spurs wanting the attacker to exit the club this summer.

It was believed he was part of the deal with Everton that would have seen him return to Goodison Park for the campaign, while Iliman Ndiaye would have made the move to London.

Or he could be the man not registered for their Premier League campaign following the closure of the transfer window if he is still at the club come 11 pm tonight.

However, another method of freeing up a place regarding the non-homegrown players would be to not register Xavi Simons for the first half of the season as he recovers from his ACL injury. This would allow him the time to fully recover and to help them in the second-half of the campaign.

The only other easy solution would be to not register the summer signing of Martin Dubravka; however, this would make his acquisition pointless if he was not able to fulfil his role as deputising keeper, leaving this role to Brandon Austin.

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Roberto De Zerbi's remarkable comments about Mykhailo Mudryk from 2022 have resurfaced as deal close

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Roberto De Zerbi previously claimed that a "very sensitive" Mykhailo Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or, a comment that has resurfaced as Tottenham look set to sign the winger on a season-long loan.

Mudryk, who worked under De Zerbi during his time at Ukrainian Premier League side Shakhtar Donetsk, has agreed personal terms with the North London club ahead of a deadline day move.

The transfer will include an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season for £75 million, according to widespread reports, three years after he joined Chelsea in a deal worth £88.5 million.

It has been a difficult period for the 25-year-old, who has not featured in a competitive game for the Blues since their Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim in November 2024.

But after resolving his doping case with the FA last month, Mudryk will try to reignite his career under De Zerbi, a manager who once claimed that the winger can win football's biggest individual prize.

Speaking in 2022 after Brighton were linked with a move for the then-Shakhtar player, De Zerbi said: "Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can't buy hi. I like him, just like all my ex-players I like, but Brighton can't buy Mudryk."

He added: "I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or."

A month later, De Zerbi once again insisted that Mudryk can win a Ballon d'Or but described the player as someone who is "very sensitive" and "needs affection".

Speaking to La Repubblica, he said: “Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. In my opinion, he can also win the Ballon d’Or. He is a player of the highest level but he is also very sensitive."

The Italian added: "He needs affection. We will see if he matches his potential.”

Mykhailo Mudryk's statement after being cleared to return to play

Mudryk was given a four-year ban by the FA in June 2025, but after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his suspension was ended early.

Back in November 2024, he tested positive for meldonium following international duty with Ukraine.

The winger posted a statement in July after he was cleared to play. "After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect," he wrote.

"I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.

"This has been the most difficult period of my career.

"As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me.

"I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period. I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout.

"I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case. My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch."

He added: "Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career."

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Spurs and Chelsea to do business for the second time in 17 years with double deal close

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London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are set to do transfer business with one another for just the second time since 2009, it has been reported - with a shock double deal on the cards.

Spurs have spent nearly £400 million during the summer transfer window, having backed manager Roberto De Zerbi to conduct a rebuild of the squad following last season's 17th-placed finish.

That rebuild was expected to conclude with the signing of Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye for a fee of £60 million, with a deal reportedly agreed in principle on Sunday.

Richarlison was due to move the other way in what has been claimed to be a separate deal, but the Brazilian hasn't agreed personal terms over a prospective £35 million move to Everton - and has released an unprecedented statement over the situation on social media.

Manchester City have now agreed a deal to sign Ndiaye and he is expected to complete the move before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday.

Spurs have therefore been forced to turn their attentions elsewhere - and are set to sign two players from their bitter London rivals.

Spurs close in on unprecedented double deal with Chelsea

BBC Sport reported on Monday evening that they had entered talks over a loan deal to sign Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is free to leave Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis.

Mudryk was permitted to return to football last month, having been suspended since he failed a drugs test in December 2024. The Ukrainian was banned for four years but his appeal to the Court of Arbitration was 'resolved'.

The FA stated that a change to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) procedures since the failed test meant that, had the sample been collected today, the concentration of the banned substance meldonium would not have been reported and he would not have broken any anti-doping rules.

Prior to his £88 million move to Chelsea in January 2023, De Zerbi managed Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk and appears keen to reunite with the 25-year-old in north London.

But that is not the only business that is likely to be completed between Spurs and Chelsea.

The Athletic have reported on Monday evening that Spurs had reached an agreement over a surprise move to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a permanent basis.

The 28-year-old defender had been made surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

It is reported that Spurs have agreed personal terms with Tosin and he will undergo a medical on Tuesday.

He is set to become the fifth centre-back to be discarded by Chelsea this summer, after Trevoh Chalobah joined Como on a permanent deal and Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr and Axel Disasi all left on loan.

The last time Spurs and Chelsea dealt with each other directly was in 2023, when young striker Jude Soonsup-Bell moved to Spurs to join their development squad.

You have to go back to 2009 for the last time a first team player moved between the two clubs. Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was allowed to join Spurs on a free transfer during the winter transfer window, and played 37 games in all competitions over the next four years before departing for LA Galaxy in 2013.

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'I've always made it clear...' - Richarlison issues public statement over Spurs and Everton transfer claims

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Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has issued a lengthy statement amid speculation over a potential deadline day move to Everton.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Sunday that a deal had been agreed in principle for the Brazil international striker to return to Everton from Spurs after leaving the club to go in the opposite direction four years ago.

It later emerged that a package worth £35 million had been agreed, with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye to join Spurs in a separate deal worth £60 million.

But Richarlison posted a cryptic message to his Instagram account shortly after those initial reports, featuring a photo of a Portuguese-language mural which read in English: "I am the villain of many poorly told stories."

Fabrizio Romano claimed on Monday afternoon that the 28-year-old hadn't yet agreed personal terms with Everton which, despite reports to the contrary, was directly holding up Ndiaye's move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Senegal international is now expected to join Manchester City on deadline day.

Now, Richarlison has posted two statements, both written in Portuguese, via social media.

'I've always made it clear...' - Richarlison on Spurs and Everton reports

In a message posted to his Instagram account, he wrote: "After everything I've been through in the last few years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN would anyone decide my future for me.

"I went through a lot of bad things during that time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me. I've been through worse things... believe me!

"I've always made it clear, at every opportunity, that any move of mine to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just like I didn't accept it when everything here was falling apart and they needed me. I stayed and gave my life.

"So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I've always had for the Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this period.

"Just don't try to decide for me."

A second statement followed, which reads: "If Spurs and Everton reach an agreement, I'll return to the club that's close to my heart.

"My intention was to go back to the place where I was so happy. But the negotiations were being driven by what others wanted, and that's not how it's going to be anymore.

"Despite all the turmoil, I am under contract with Spurs, and I will make myself available to the club."

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Liverpool make final Cody Gakpo decision after submitting fresh bid for Premier League star

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The future of Cody Gakpo has been subject to much speculation this summer as the Dutch forward has been strongly linked with an exit, and it appears Liverpool have now made their final decision.

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have been heavily linked with the Dutch international across the final couple of weeks of the transfer window.

While Spurs appeared to be in pole position, the last few days have seen Man City occupy this role as they aimed to sign the attacker after they bid farewell to two forward options.

Savio and Omar Marmoush departed the Etihad to join Spurs, leaving City light in attack, with Gakpo believed to be the solution.

However, according to David Ornstein, after negotiations with their Premier League rivals Liverpool have opted to reject an offer worth £80 million to keep Gakpo at Anfield.

Gakpo’s good start to the campaign may have been a decisive factor in the Reds and Andoni Iraola opting to keep the 27-year-old at the club.

The Dutch international scored against Newcastle United in Liverpool’s season opener before getting an assist in the next fixture against Nottingham Forest.

This decision to keep Gakpo may have thrown a spanner in the works for a deal that Liverpool are currently working on, as they aim to strengthen their squad with some Premier League talent.

Liverpool submit fresh bid for Ismalia Sarr

Liverpool are still keen to add players to their squad before the transfer window closes, and now they are aiming to acquire a Premier League star to strengthen their attacking options.

The Reds made a double signing, Lucca Brughmans and Djylian N'Guessan, just hours before announcing that Liverpool had finally signed Bradley Barcola after a lengthy pursuit this summer.

Barcola’s acquisition, though, has seemingly thrown a spanner in the works for the club in their pursuit of signing players who are not considered homegrown.

Following the signing of the French international, the Reds have filled up the 17 permitted slots in their 25-man squad for the 2026/27 season that can be non-homegrown.

The Premier League considers a homegrown player is who was registered with an English or Welsh club for at least three complete seasons before turning 21, with where the player was developed, not their nationality, being the key detail, alongside the fact that eligible Under-21 players sit outside this limit.

Yet, this has not stopped Liverpool from submitting a bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismalia Sarr, according to RMC Sport.

The French outlet are reporting that the Senegalese right winger was the subject of a second bid, with the Eagles believed to have rejected the offer.

Sarr impressed last season at Palace as he netted on 21 occasions and assisted twice across his 45 appearances, and he appears to be hopeful of a move to Anfield.

Due to the current Premier League rules, Liverpool would not be allowed to register him in their squad; however, this could signal that a non-homegrown player may be close to leaving the club, with the likely individual being Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Georgian is expected to depart the club, with Nottingham Forest being the interested party, which is why the Reds bought the youthful Brughmans from Genk.

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Spurs agree stunning double deal with Premier League rivals after Cody Gakpo decision

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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a double deal to sign a Premier League attacker following Cody Gakpo's decision to join Manchester City.

Spurs have been targeting Liverpool forward Gakpo for much of the summer transfer window as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his squad.

The Netherlands international started the Reds' 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Saturday lunchtime, but it later emerged that he may well have played his last game for the club.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Saturday evening that Gakpo had chosen to join City on a permanent deal, with 'all parties now in talks to reach an agreement'.

It represented in effect a double blow for Spurs, with De Zerbi's side having lost their second consecutive Premier League game without scoring via a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.

But there is some positive news for Spurs fans, with a new attacker on his way to the club.

Spurs agree rare 'double deal' to sign Premier League star

Ornstein now reports that Spurs have reached an agreement over a deal to sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

He adds that forward Richarlison is set to move the other way, representing a return to Everton for the Brazil international after he left the club four years ago to join Spurs.

It is claimed, though, that the two deals are classed as separate rather than an official swap.

Richarlison was an extremely popular figure during his time at Goodison Park, scoring 10 goals during the 2021/22 season to keep the Toffees in the Premier League whilst playing through injury.

He has been struck by a series of injury issues during recent seasons, but did score 11 Premier League goals as part of a struggling Spurs side last season to also keep them in the top flight.

Now, with Omar Marmoush having signed on loan with an option to buy from Manchester City, and Savinho's arrival from the same club, Richarlison appears to be surplus to requirements and is now set to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the transfer deadline.

Everton set to keep one star - but lose another

Alongside Ndiaye's departure, it appeared on Saturday that academy graduate midfielder Harrison Armstrong would leave Everton to join Nottingham Forest in a £35 million deal.

Toffees fans angrily protested the deal, chanting for Armstrong to stay at the club throughout their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old has started all three of Everton's matches this season in all competitions and is seen as a future England prospect.

It was reported on Sunday morning that the Toffees had made a 'unanimous' decision to keep Armstrong at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with chairman Dan Friedkin said to be involved.

Journalist John Percy reported that the backlash from Everton fans was 'understood to be a major factor' in the club's eventual U-turn, having been said to have accepted a bid from Forest.

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Savinho announces name change after signing for Tottenham in £75m deal

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Savinho has requested to be called 'Savio' after completing his £85 million switch from Manchester City to Tottenham.

Throughout his two-year spell at City, the Brazilian winger, real name Savio Moreira de Oliveira, was referred to as ‘Savinho’ -- a name that appeared on the back of his No.26 shirt in each of his 84 appearances.

It is said the addition of ‘inho’ to his name roughly translates to an affectionate way of saying ‘little’.

Speaking in an interview with the club's official website in July 2024, he explained that the origins behind being called ‘Savinho’ first cropped up in March 2024, when he was on international duty with Brazil.

“[My name change] is because in the national team, the first call-up they put Savinho on the shirt,” he said.

“People in Girona knew me more as Savinho, it was just written Savio on the shirt, you know? So I told [Manchester City] to put Savinho on the shirt. I hope it brings me luck too, this name Savinho.”

Now, the 22-year-old has once again asked to be called ‘Savio’ going forward.

It is not clear why the player has gone back to the name he used before joining City, when he played at Atletico Mineiro, Troyes, PSV and Girona. Neither Savio nor Tottenham have provided an explanation.

Speaking about his big-money move to Spurs, Savinho said: "It's taken a while but I'm very happy to be here. It's a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world.

"As soon as I spoke to the head coach I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team."

Roberto De Zerbi explains reasons behind Savio signing

Savio, who could feature for Tottenham in their Carabao Cup clash against Charlton on Wednesday, has been described as a player who "brings energy, imagination and quality" in wide areas by De Zerbi.

"He has the courage to attack defenders and the ability to change a game with his creativity," the Italian added. "We’re very pleased to have him with us, and I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him continue to grow and seeing him bring his personality to the team."

Johan Lange, the club's sporting director, says Savio is someone who has been on their radar "for a while".

"He has already shown his quality at the highest level, and we believe his ability, style and mentality will be a great fit for the squad we are building here," said Lange.

"I know he will excite our supporters every time he gets on the ball and I'm looking forward to watching his development under Roberto's coaching."

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