Spurs confirms internal talks are currently ongoing from two super clubs who are willing to pay more than Tottenham is asking, deal could well be announced
Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are looking to significantly bolster their squads by signing a high-profile player from Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs have engaged in internal discussions about acquiring a £60 million star, indicating their strong desire to attract top talent from the Premier League and elevate the status of their growing league. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been instrumental in financing these ambitious moves, continues to eye prominent Premier League players to enhance the competitive edge and global appeal of the Saudi Pro League.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been actively working to streamline the squad. His strategy aims to increase the transfer funds available to new manager Ange Postecoglou while simultaneously reducing the club’s wage bill. This summer has already seen several players exit the club as part of this overhaul. Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier, and Ivan Perisic have all left after the expiry of their contracts. In addition to these departures, Levy has made moves to terminate Tanguy Ndombele’s contract a year early, paving the way for Ndombele to reportedly join Nice. Moreover, Welsh international defender Joe Rodon has completed a permanent move to Leeds United for around £10 million, following a successful loan spell at Elland Road last season.
In total, six senior players have departed north London. These moves align with insights from reliable club insider Paul O’Keefe, who revealed that Tottenham was open to offers for over a dozen squad members this summer. The list of potential exits includes Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil, Djed Spence, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Among these players, AC Milan has shown particular interest in acquiring Emerson Royal.
Amidst all this activity, one of the most significant uncertainties surrounds the future of striker Richarlison. Despite finishing the 2023/2024 season as Tottenham’s second-highest scorer in all competitions, his long-term position at the club remains in question. The Brazilian striker, who was signed from Everton two years ago, had a challenging debut season but managed to impress during a mid-season surge under Postecoglou. Richarlison scored nine goals in eight Premier League games from early December to early February, showcasing his potential. However, there are lingering doubts regarding his suitability as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane. Widespread reports suggest that Tottenham is targeting a prolific new striker this summer, which could see Richarlison fall further down Postecoglou’s pecking order.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that Richarlison is attracting serious interest from the Gulf region. Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal have internally discussed the possibility of signing him from Tottenham, with Levy ambitiously aiming to recoup the £60 million paid to Everton in 2022. Since joining Spurs, the £90,000-per-week forward has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions across 66 appearances.
The Saudi Pro League has been making headlines with its aggressive recruitment strategy, attracting well-known names from European leagues. The interest in Richarlison is part of a broader trend where Saudi clubs are investing heavily in experienced and high-profile players to elevate the league’s competitiveness and international reputation. This strategy not only aims to improve the quality of football but also to attract a global audience, boosting the league’s commercial appeal.
As the transfer window progresses, the football world keenly watches whether these internal discussions will materialize into concrete offers. If Richarlison were to make the move to the Saudi Pro League, it would be a significant coup for Al-Ittihad or Al-Hilal and a notable shift in his career. This potential transfer is just one part of a broader narrative where Saudi clubs are reshaping the global football landscape by attracting top talent from Europe’s elite leagues. The impact of such moves on the Saudi Pro League’s competitive balance and its standing in the international football community will be fascinating to observe in the coming seasons.