Richarlison insists he will control his future as Everton talks with Tottenham continue

Everton are in talks with Tottenham over a possible deal to re-sign Brazil international Richarlison before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with the striker warning that he will not allow others to decide the next stage of his career.

The situation intensified after Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Richarlison was omitted from the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Newcastle. De Zerbi said the 29-year-old had repeatedly asked to leave the club.

Richarlison responded on Instagram on Monday with a lengthy statement outlining his version of events. He said previous decisions about his career had often been made by other people and insisted that would not happen again.

“After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me,” Richarlison said.

“I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people.

“Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me. I’ve been through far worse, believe me.”

The forward also said he had respected Tottenham’s position during earlier discussions about his future and expected the club to show him the same consideration.

“I’ve always made it clear, every time I had the chance, that leaving for another club would only happen if it was also good for the club,” he said.

“If it wasn’t, I would never accept it. Just like I didn’t accept it when everything was going badly and they needed me.

“I stayed and gave everything. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect I’ve always shown Spurs and everyone who worked with me during this period.

“Just don’t try to decide for me.”

Richarlison joined Tottenham after leaving Everton, where he spent four successful years between 2018 and 2022. He has now made clear that he would be willing to return to the Merseyside club if the two sides reach an agreement.

“If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club,” Richarlison said.

“My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that.”

Despite the public disagreement and uncertainty over a possible transfer, Richarlison stressed that he remains under contract with Tottenham and will continue to make himself available if no deal is completed.

“Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal,” he added.

Richarlison has found consistency difficult since moving to north London four years ago. However, he scored 12 goals during the 2025-26 campaign as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

The immediate focus is now on whether Everton and Tottenham can reach an agreement before Tuesday’s deadline, with Richarlison having made clear that returning to the club where he was previously happy remains an option.