Spurs have finally decided to put star player up for sale after £50m agreement that didn’t work for anyone
A couple of years ago this week, Richarlison bid an emotional farewell to Everton, leaving behind a legacy that continues to stir debate. His controversial move to Tottenham Hotspur has generated more questions than answers, and satisfaction remains elusive for all parties involved. As the first anniversary of his transfer approached, I received a message from an old friend, a devoted Liverpool fan. He asked if I still believed that Tottenham had overpaid Everton for Richarlison. My response highlighted that £50 million plus add-ons was a relatively modest sum in today’s inflated transfer market for Brazil’s number nine. I suggested that Everton could have secured a higher fee had the World Cup been held in the summer as usual, given that Richarlison scored three goals in the tournament. If Spurs didn’t know how to utilize him effectively, that was their problem, not Everton’s.
Liverpool fans have always struggled to appreciate Richarlison. Following a public spat with Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool legend confessed, “He just winds people up, that lad, Richarlison. He winds me up.” However, this perception began to change when Richarlison extended an olive branch, inviting Carragher onto the pitch for a kickabout at the Etihad Stadium. This gesture allowed Carragher to see the ex-Everton star in a new light.
Richarlison has always worn his heart on his sleeve. His silky skills, combined with an undeniable work ethic, made him a beloved figure among Evertonians. From his two-goal debut on a rainy day at Molineux on the opening day of the 2018/19 season, it was love at first sight for the fans. Here was a player who rose to become an Olympic gold medalist while at Everton, also finishing as the top scorer in the Tokyo Games. Although he joined the club during a period of heavy spending on players from Barcelona and played under the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, his final days at Everton were marked by a grueling battle against relegation.
In many respects, Everton failed Richarlison by not building a competitive team around him, despite his obvious talent and the fact that he played alongside Neymar and other stars on international duty. However, Richarlison left Everton with some parting gifts, scoring six goals in his last nine games, including a crucial winner against Chelsea at the start of the final month of the 2021/22 season.
As previously mentioned, Richarlison’s move to Tottenham hasn’t produced any clear winners, other than perhaps Everton’s financial department. The deal was pushed through before the end of June to bolster Everton’s annual accounts, though they still ended up breaching Profit & Sustainability Rules. The transfer of Richarlison, who rose from poverty in Nova Venecia, Espirito Santo, to become a beloved figure in Walton, was finalized by Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy at Scott’s, a luxurious Mayfair seafood restaurant known for its caviar and elegant oyster and champagne bar.
For his part, Richarlison has struggled to make a significant impact in North London. In his first season, he managed just one goal in 27 Premier League matches, and his overall record now stands at 15 goals in 66 matches across all competitions for Tottenham. This is a stark contrast to his 53 goals in 152 appearances for Everton. Tottenham is reportedly open to listening to suitable offers for Richarlison, who failed to make Brazil’s squad for the current Copa America tournament. However, it seems unlikely that Everton would have the financial capability to bring him back.
When Richarlison returned to Goodison Park on February 3, he appeared reverential, or even apologetic, as he scored twice for Spurs in a 2-2 draw. It’s clear that he holds a deep affection for Everton and its fans, and he would probably jump at the chance to return for Goodison Park’s historic final season. Unfortunately, the financial realities make such a reunion improbable. Richarlison’s journey from the streets of Nova Venecia to the Premier League has been remarkable, but his story continues to be one of unfulfilled potential and unanswered questions. As the dust settles on his controversial move, the legacy of his time at Everton and his turbulent spell at Tottenham remains a topic of passionate debate among fans and pundits alike.
