Richarlison’s Tottenham exit is finally taking shape, and the destination has become clear. Hours after the Premier League’s transfer window slammed shut, the Brazilian forward agreed personal terms with Turkish giants Trabzonspor on a contract set to triple his current wages. It’s a dramatic turn for a player who spent the closing days of deadline week chasing a very different move.
Everton Dream Collapses, Turkey Steps In
Richarlison made no secret of his desire to return to Everton this summer. He even took to social media to voice his frustration, insisting he wouldn’t be forced into a switch he didn’t want. Tottenham, meanwhile, tried to engineer a swap that would free up funds for Iliman Ndiaye. That plan unraveled quickly, though, once Manchester City hijacked the Ndiaye deal with a £65 million bid, leaving Spurs scrambling for alternatives and Richarlison stuck without his preferred exit.
That’s when Trabzonspor entered the picture. The Turkish side had already been circling for weeks, and negotiations accelerated fast once the Everton route disappeared. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, personal terms were finalized within hours, with Richarlison’s proposed salary landing at roughly three times what he currently earns in north London. Given his reported £90,000-a-week wage at Spurs, that jump could push his new package toward £270,000 weekly, an eye-catching figure for a Süper Lig club.
Tottenham, however, haven’t rolled over easily. They’ve already rejected two formal bids, worth £15 million and £20 million respectively, judging both offers too low for a player who scored 11 Premier League goals last season, more than anyone else at the club. Trabzonspor, undeterred, are preparing an improved third offer before their domestic window shuts on Friday.
Interestingly, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed after a recent home defeat to Newcastle that Richarlison had repeatedly asked to leave throughout the summer. That admission adds context to just how eager both player and club are to get a deal finalized quickly, even against the clock.
Salah Reunion Sweetens the Turkish Move
Beyond the financial upgrade, there’s a footballing pull too. Trabzonspor already boasts Mohamed Salah among its ranks, and pairing him with Richarlison would give the club a genuinely eye-catching attacking partnership. Add Brazilian international Fabinho into that mix, and suddenly Trabzonspor looks like a squad building serious continental ambition rather than simply cashing in on faded Premier League names.
That star power matters for a club currently searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Fatih Tekke. Landing Richarlison on the back of Salah’s arrival sends a clear signal: Trabzonspor wants to compete, not just collect recognizable names. For readers tracking the wider Süper Lig transfer picture, similar reunion narratives and squad rebuilds are worth following closely as the picture develops through Friday’s deadline.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s motivations are fairly straightforward. Richarlison sits well down the pecking order following the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Savio, and Mykhaylo Mudryk, so offloading him even for a modest fee clears wages and squad space. Spurs would clearly prefer a higher number, but with time running short, their leverage diminishes by the hour.
What Happens Next
Trabzonspor’s window closes Friday night, which means both clubs face genuine time pressure. Expect a swift resolution one way or another. If Tottenham accept an improved bid, as reported by multiple outlets, Richarlison could complete his move within days, undergoing a medical before pulling on Trabzonspor colors for the first time.
Should talks stall again, though, Richarlison risks starting the season firmly outside Tottenham’s plans, training away from the group while negotiations rumble on. Either way, his Spurs career appears to be winding down. For a player once signed for a club-record fee, an unglamorous farewell now looks increasingly likely, even if the financial reward in Turkey softens the blow considerably.