Richarlison seeks Tottenham Hotspur exit to secure Vasco da Gama return

Richarlison is seeking to terminate his contract with Tottenham Hotspur in an attempt to complete a move to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, according to a report by Globo.

The 29-year-old Brazil international has been left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League squad under manager Roberto De Zerbi, making him available to leave the London club during the current transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be looking for more than 20m euros for the striker. However, Vasco da Gama do not have the financial capacity to meet that asking price, according to the report.

Richarlison is therefore attempting to find a way out of his contract so he can join the Brazilian side. With transfer windows still open in some countries, a move to Portugal, Saudi Arabia or a return to Brazil are described as the most realistic options available to him.

The Brazilian transfer window is due to close on Friday, leaving any club interested in signing Richarlison with limited time to complete the deal.

Vasco da Gama play down speculation

Vasco da Gama manager Pedro Emanuel has sought to reduce speculation linking the club with a move for the Tottenham Hotspur forward.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Emanuel declined to discuss the possibility of signing Richarlison. After Vasco da Gama’s Copa Sudamericana match against Santa Fe, he told reporters: “I think my silence says everything.”

He added: “I work with the players who are here, and he is a player I respect greatly, a player everyone knows, but he is not here. I do not feel I have the right to comment on something that is not part of our daily lives or my reality.”

Emanuel continued: “I apologise that I cannot answer, but that is all I can say at the moment.”

Globo also reported that Vasco da Gama president Pedrinho is pushing for the club to conclude a deal for Richarlison.

The potential transfer fee has not been disclosed, but Pedrinho believes it may be possible to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the terms of a move.

Richarlison has not played in Brazil since leaving Fluminense to join Watford in 2017. He subsequently represented Watford, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 90 goals and providing 34 assists in 327 appearances for the three clubs.