Richarlison’s proposed Vasco da Gama move collapses

Richarlison’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain, and with it the plan to return to Brazil has stalled: his proposed move to Vasco da Gama has broken down, according to BBC Sport.

Sources cited by the outlet say Spurs had reached an agreement on the transfer fee with Vasco. However, the deal is understood to have hit a wall on the most sensitive part of any exit: personal terms.

A contract saga

The situation is not new. BBC Sport reports that Richarlison was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad after a proposed £35m deadline-day move to Everton collapsed over disagreements regarding personal terms.

On Thursday, the broadcaster also said Richarlison and Spurs were in a dispute over the remaining time on his current contract: nine months.

What happens next

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi offered no update on Richarlison’s future in a Friday press conference.

Still, De Zerbi addressed the broader situation, saying he spent time speaking with the player to try to convince him to stay. “I know the truth,” he added, referring to what happened in the last month and the final 45 days, and stressing that leaving him out was not a club decision made directly by him.

As for what comes next, sources suggest Richarlison is exploring his options and is keen to be released from the rest of the deal, which runs out next summer. Spurs can also trigger a 12-month extension.

Sportingly, Richarlison was Tottenham’s top Premier League scorer last season with 11 goals, helping the club avoid relegation—something De Zerbi underlined when talking about his importance to the team.