Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has expressed uncertainty over the future of Brazilian forward Richarlison at the club. Following a series of positive performances on Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Australia, de Zerbi acknowledged that the 29-year-old striker has at times indicated a desire to leave.

Richarlison played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s recent matches, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Chelsea in Sydney on Saturday despite the team being reduced to 10 men. The forward also found the net during a 2-0 win over Auckland FC the previous weekend, reinforcing his value to the squad.

The forward’s situation has drawn attention amid Tottenham’s active summer transfer window, which has aimed to strengthen a squad that narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing 17th in the Premier League. While the club has yet to sign a new striker, de Zerbi has indicated that further acquisitions remain a priority. Manchester City’s Savinho has been linked as a potential target as Tottenham looks to bolster its attacking options.

When asked about Richarlison’s status after the win over Chelsea, de Zerbi remarked, “I don’t know. As a player, as a guy, it is unbelievable his attitude and behaviour, but at the end we have to respect what he wants to do.” He also emphasized the forward’s importance to the team, noting the difficulty of replacing a striker with Richarlison’s goal-scoring ability and understanding of the game.

The remarks suggest that while Richarlison remains a key figure in Tottenham’s plans, his commitment to the club could hinge on his personal ambitions and the club’s future transfer activity as the team prepares for the upcoming league campaign.