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"UEA Tides Turn!" Abandoned Richarlison Heads to Former Mentor... Clash with Coach → Excluded from EPL Squad → Al-Ahli in Contact "Negotiations Underway"

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*This content was translated by AI.

Tottenham striker Richarlison. /Photo=NEWS1
Tottenham striker Richarlison. /Photo=NEWS1

Richarlison (29), classified as outside the plans at Tottenham, is now facing the possibility of heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UK outlet "TeamTalk" reported exclusively on the 16th (Korean time) that Shabab Al-Ahli, a club in the UAE Pro League, is pushing to sign Richarlison.

According to media reports, Al-Ahli already conveyed its interest in signing Richarlison several weeks ago and continues to maintain strong interest. While most transfer markets worldwide have closed, the UAE Pro League will accept player registrations until the 28th.

The decisive factor drawing Richarlison toward Dubai is the presence of Shabab Al-Ahli manager Andre Jardine. Manager Jardine led Brazil's U-23 national team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, Richarlison delivered outstanding performances, including a hat-trick in the group stage opener, and finished as the tournament's top scorer.

The media stated, "A reunion with his former mentor is the most attractive option for Richarlison, who must maintain match fitness before the January winter transfer window."

Richarlison endured a difficult period during this summer's transfer market. After he rejected a return to his former club Everton, Tottenham excluded him from the English Premier League (EPL) matchday squad. A move to Turkey's Trabzonspor also failed to materialize.

Richarlison even turned down an offer from Brazil's Vasco da Gama. Tottenham and Vasco da Gama had reached an agreement on a transfer fee of 15 million pounds (approximately 27.5 billion won). However, Richarlison insisted on a short-term contract, leading the Brazilian club to express reluctance, and negotiations ultimately collapsed.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi. /Photo=Archive from Tottenham's official SNS
Manager Roberto De Zerbi. /Photo=Archive from Tottenham's official SNS

Currently, Richarlison's side is demanding his release and considering legal action against the club. The media reported that "Richarlison cites the case of Brazilian teammate Hernani Rodi, who was notified of his release shortly after being dropped from Al-Hilal's squad." In contrast, Tottenham argues there is no legal basis for the claim, as the club holds an option to extend the contract until 2028.

It further explained that "amidst the conflict between both sides, intermediaries are coordinating a move to Dubai. The key issue is the contract structure. Discussions are underway regarding either signing a short-term deal or inserting a buyout clause allowing him to leave for another club in the January transfer market next year."

Tottenham is deeply disappointed with Richarlison's attitude. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi drew a line ahead of the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool, stating, "Richarlison's situation has not changed. His exclusion from the matchday squad is due to an issue between the player and the club." He continued, "I have tried to persuade him to stay on multiple occasions, but he did not want to. I cannot pray every day for him to remain," offering criticism.

In response, Richarlison expressed his displeasure by posting a crying emoji on his social media (SNS).

The media stated, "A move to Al-Ahli is the best escape route for both the player and the club. Under his mentor's guidance, Richarlison can secure playing time and gain flexibility regarding his future path." It added, "Tottenham also seized an opportunity to resolve the situation early by benching a troublesome player until January rather than keeping him on the sidelines."

Richarlison. /Photo=Archive from Tottenham's official SNS
Richarlison. /Photo=Archive from Tottenham's official SNS

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*This content was translated by AI.

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