Papers: Wantaway Spurs striker Richarlison agrees Trabzonspor terms

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer saga around Richarlison has reached a decisive moment, with the striker agreeing personal terms with Trabzonspor ahead of Thursday’s Turkish deadline. The move would end months of uncertainty over the 29-year-old’s future and signal a dramatic shift in Spurs’ attacking options this season.

Why this deal matters now

Richarlison’s exit from north London was never a question of ability, but of alignment. The Brazilian’s Instagram statement in late August underscored his frustration, paraphrased as: any move would have to be good for the club as well as himself. His refusal to accept a return to Everton—despite Spurs’ pursuit of Iliman N’Diaye—highlighted the depth of his discontent. Now, with Trabzonspor offering a reported tripling of his £100,000-a-week wages, the financial incentive has tipped the scales.

The timing is critical. The Turkish transfer window closes on September 4, leaving little room for further complications. Tottenham, who according to Mirror Football reportedly rejected two bids from the Süper Lig side, may yet face pressure to finalise a fee before the deadline. Their own deadline-day coup—securing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea—suggests they are not panicking, but the loss of a player who scored 13 goals in 2025-26 still stings.

What comes next for Spurs and Trabzonspor

For Tottenham, the focus shifts to reshaping their frontline. Mudryk’s arrival at White Hart Lane reunites him with manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached the Ukrainian at Shakhtar Donetsk. Whether the pair can replicate their previous chemistry remains to be seen, but Spurs’ Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic—where Savio scored and assisted on his debut—offers a glimmer of hope. Savio’s performance in a 5-1 thrashing provided a statement of intent, yet the competition for minutes in attack is fiercer than ever.

At Trabzonspor, Richarlison would join Mohamed Salah’s former Liverpool teammate in an attack capable of troubling any defence. The club’s ambition to compete domestically and in Europe aligns with the striker’s desire for a fresh challenge. If the deal is finalised, it would mark a significant coup for the Turkish side, who have invested heavily in recent years to elevate their profile.

The Everton factor and De Zerbi’s dilemma

Everton’s reluctance to engage in emergency free-agent negotiations—reported by The Telegraph—closed one door for Richarlison. The Toffees’ chaotic summer, capped by a deadline-day scramble that saw Iliman N’Diaye join Manchester City instead, left them in no position to gamble on a high-risk, high-reward move. That vacuum forced Richarlison toward Turkey, where Trabzonspor’s willingness to meet his demands provided an unexpected lifeline.

For De Zerbi, the loss of Richarlison compounds a difficult start to the season. After spending over £400m in the summer, Spurs’ two opening Premier League defeats have reignited questions about squad cohesion and tactical clarity. The Italian’s public comments about Richarlison’s desire to leave—made during pre-season—now read as prescient. With the window shut in England, the focus turns to Mudryk and the remaining forwards to deliver the firepower Spurs crave.

Richarlison’s move to Trabzonspor is not just a transfer; it’s a reset. For Spurs, it’s a chance to rebuild without the distraction of a disgruntled star. For the Brazilian, it’s an opportunity to rediscover his form in a league where his profile commands respect. Whether either party benefits will depend on the next few days—and the performances that follow.