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

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

The Brazilian striker’s failed summer exits and desire to leave have left him frozen out at Tottenham despite being technically eligible for cup competitions

by
Editorial Team

Sep. 14, 2026

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Photo: Juan García / Pexels

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.

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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 Zerbi’s framing was pointed. The manager characterized this as the player’s decision, not his own. The implication is straightforward: Richarlison chose the exit door, and even though he couldn’t walk through it, the club isn’t going to pretend the choice wasn’t made.

From £60M signing to ghost on the wage bill

Richarlison arrived at Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022 for £60 million. He is currently in the final year of his contract.

Tottenham have already moved on in practical terms. The club secured Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan from Manchester City, with an obligation to buy built into the deal.

De Zerbi draws a hard line

For Richarlison, the path forward is narrow. He’s in the final year of his deal, meaning he could leave on a free transfer next summer. A January move remains theoretically possible, but that depends on a willing buyer materializing for a player who will have been match-unfit for months.

Tottenham face Liverpool on September 15 in the Carabao Cup. Richarlison will watch from the outside, his four-year, £60 million chapter at the club appearing destined to end not with a farewell appearance, but with a slow administrative fade into free agency.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.