Roberto De Zerbi says Richarlison will not play even if available this season

Richarlison’s time at Tottenham Hotspur is over in every way except on paper. Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on September 14, 2026, that the Brazilian forward will not feature against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and went further: Richarlison won’t play at all this season, even if he’s technically available. A summer of dead-end exits The situation traces back to pre-season, when Richarlison made it clear he wanted to leave the club. De Zerbi said he personally spoke with the striker multiple times in an attempt to convince him to stay and compete for a place. Those conversations didn’t land. Several transfer options materialized over the summer, but none crossed the finish line. A return to former club Everton was explored. A move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama was discussed. A potential switch to Saudi Arabia also entered the frame before the September 1 transfer deadline passed without any deal being completed. Richarlison was omitted from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad submitted around September 3, and De Zerbi’s latest comments make clear that the exclusion extends to domestic cup competitions as well, where EFL regulations would have permitted him to play. De Z...