Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi remains uncertain about the future of striker Richarlison as the club approaches the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old Brazilian, who scored a stoppage-time winner in Tottenham’s recent 2-1 pre-season victory over Chelsea in Sydney, has yet to make a definitive decision on whether he wishes to stay at the club or seek a move elsewhere.
Richarlison, who was Spurs’ top scorer last season with 12 goals, has been linked with a potential return to Brazil as well as a reunion with his former Everton and Watford manager Marco Silva at Benfica. De Zerbi acknowledged the forward’s wavering stance on his future, saying that sometimes Richarlison expresses a desire to remain, while at other times he contemplates leaving. Despite these uncertainties, the coach emphasized the striker’s importance to the team and praised his attitude and work ethic.
“It’s not so easy to find another striker like Richarlison. He scores goals and knows the way,” De Zerbi said, highlighting the challenge of replacing a player who contributed significantly over the previous season. He also stressed the need to respect Richarlison’s wishes and indicated that discussions between the player and the club will continue.
Meanwhile, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has reportedly requested a move this summer. Although there have been media reports suggesting an agreement between Spurs and Inter Milan for the Argentine defender, De Zerbi clarified that no formal deal is currently in place. He noted that while he has been in contact with Romero following his participation in the World Cup, their conversations have not involved transfer matters. The coach pointed to club officials Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham as the key figures handling transfer negotiations.
Tottenham’s transfer activity so far has involved significant investment, with De Zerbi anticipating two or three more signings, including potentially adding a new attacking player. The club is reportedly confident about securing winger Savinho from Manchester City as part of their squad rebuild.
In other Premier League news, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed uncertainty surrounding winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who recently had his doping ban reduced and will join the team on their upcoming Asian tour. Mudryk, whose career was interrupted after testing positive in a doping case during international duty with Ukraine in September 2024, has not played for Chelsea since November 2024. Alonso expressed optimism about integrating the 25-year-old Ukrainian back into the squad but emphasized that it will take time for Mudryk to regain full fitness and match readiness. The manager noted that while Mudryk’s future at Chelsea remains unclear, the player’s return is a positive development for the club moving forward.