MusaPremier League-winning captain Tim Sherwood believes it is a major shame that Richarlison’s proposed return to Everton fell through before the transfer window closed, insisting the situation has left all sides worse off.
For a period, it looked increasingly likely that the Brazil international would make an emotional return to Goodison Park, in a deal separate from the proposed transfer that would have taken Iliman Ndiaye in the opposite direction to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Ndiaye eventually completed a move to Manchester City in a deal that could reportedly reach £65 million. Richarlison also appeared to express his disappointment on Instagram, making it clear that he still had strong feelings for Everton while seemingly unhappy with how the proposed transfer was unfolding.
The move subsequently collapsed, leaving Richarlison in a difficult position at Tottenham. The striker was omitted from Spurs’ Premier League squad, and following their elimination from the Carabao Cup, he now appears unlikely to play competitive football for the club until at least January.
Sherwood, who previously played for and managed Tottenham after captaining Blackburn Rovers to Premier League success in 1995, believes Spurs should have done more to facilitate Richarlison’s departure.
“It’s a shame for Richarlison,” Sherwood said. “They got rid of Cristian Romero, they didn’t want him, they didn’t want Djed Spence, and they should have tried to pave the way for Richarlison to leave.
“It didn’t materialise, even though everyone thought he was going back to Everton. It would have been a good move for him and a good move for Everton.
“I know Tottenham fans don’t like the fact that Richarlison is still there, but he scored 11 goals in a poor team last year and contributed to them staying in the league.
“I’m not sure he’s being disrespected. I hate to say that. He’s a footballer, he’s earned his money, and he’s simply fallen out of favour.”
Sherwood also admitted that he does not know exactly how Richarlison’s current situation is being handled behind the scenes at Tottenham.
“It would be interesting to see the dynamics there at the moment because I haven’t got any inside information about whether he’s training with the group, whether he’s in the same dressing room as the first-team players, or whether he’s been banished,” he added.
“But no one is doing well out of this situation. Hopefully, there can be a quick resolution in January. It’s a real shame for him and the club.”
Richarlison remains a popular figure among Everton supporters after scoring 53 goals in 152 appearances for the club. He also played a crucial role in helping Everton avoid relegation during the 2021-22 season.
Everton had hoped to strengthen their attack after their attempt to bring Richarlison back fell through. Earlier this month, the club believed they had found their new centre-forward after agreeing a £40m deal with Monaco for United States international Folarin Balogun.
That transfer, however, dramatically collapsed on deadline day, leaving manager David Moyes with just one fit senior striker available in Thierno Barry.
Barry has made an impressive start to the campaign, scoring five goals in his first seven appearances, but Everton could still look to strengthen their attacking options when the January window opens.
It remains uncertain whether Everton will make another attempt to sign Richarlison. By January, the Brazilian will have only six months remaining on his Tottenham contract, although Spurs retain an option to extend the agreement by another 12 months.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the new Premier League season and currently sit at the bottom of the table after failing to win any of their opening matches.
That poor run comes after Spurs finished just one place above the relegation zone in each of the previous two seasons, increasing the pressure surrounding the club and manager Roberto De Zerbi.
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