Tottenham forward Richarlison's anticipated return to Brazil has unraveled after negotiations with Vasco da Gama broke down over contractual disagreements, leaving the 29-year-old's future in limbo as the Brazilian transfer window prepares to close on 11 September 2026.
The two clubs had reached agreement on a transfer fee believed to be around £35m, but disagreements over personal terms proved insurmountable. Richarlison, who joined Spurs from Everton for £60m in 2022, has been excluded from Tottenham's Premier League squad for the 2026-27 season, effectively sidelining him from domestic competition if he remains at the club.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi offered little clarity on the situation during a Friday news conference.
"I don't know," he said. "It's not my job."When pressed on the broader context, de Zerbi acknowledged the complexity of the situation without elaborating on next steps.
"What I can say is I know very well what the club has done for Richarlison and I know very well what Richarlison has done for the club in the last month, two months. I know, the club knows, he knows, his agent knows. Everyone knows better than you. Much better."
What went wrong with the Vasco deal?
Personal terms emerged as the primary obstacle to completing the transfer. According to ESPN Brasil, Vasco's director of football Admar Lopes indicated the club remained in talks with Tottenham and suggested a deal could still materialise before the Brazilian window closed, though the negotiations had clearly stalled over compensation and contract structure disagreements between the player and Spurs.
The collapse mirrors an earlier failed move to Everton, where a proposed £35m deadline-day transfer also fell apart due to disputes over personal terms. Richarlison has been at the centre of contract negotiations with Tottenham, with reports indicating he declined a new contract offer from the club earlier in preseason, signalling his desire to move on.
Why is Richarlison excluded from the squad?
Tottenham's decision to leave Richarlison out of their Premier League squad means he would be ineligible for league matches if he stays at the club, effectively ending his involvement in English top-flight football this season. Tottenham had not received an offer for Richarlison as of Thursday, despite weeks of exit speculation, suggesting the club may be holding firm on their valuation or contract terms.
The squad omission reflects the deteriorating relationship between player and club. Richarlison is understood to be exploring his options and seeking release from the remainder of his contract, which runs until June 2027. However, Spurs retain the power to trigger a 12-month extension, complicating any potential departure.
What are Richarlison's alternatives?
According to ESPN Brasil reporting, Richarlison's preference has shifted toward an overseas move rather than an immediate return to Brazil, with any Vasco arrangement viewed only as a short-term option through December 2026. This suggests the player may be exploring opportunities in other European leagues or elsewhere rather than committing to a permanent Brazilian move.
One complicating factor is Tottenham's international loan limit. Reports indicate Spurs have already reached their quota for overseas loans, meaning Vasco would need to negotiate a permanent transfer rather than a temporary arrangement—a scenario that may have further strained negotiations given the financial and contractual complexities involved.
What happens next?
The Brazilian transfer window closes on 11 September 2026, leaving minimal time for any resolution. If Richarlison remains at Tottenham beyond this deadline, he will be unavailable for Premier League selection, effectively benching him for the entire domestic season unless the club reverses its squad decision. The coming days will determine whether a compromise emerges or whether the impasse persists, leaving the forward in an unprecedented limbo at a major European club.
