Tottenham Hotspur have omitted Brazilian striker Richarlison from their Premier League squad, bringing a potential move to Süper Lig side Trabzonspor to a critical stage. The development this week clears a path for the 29-year-old to complete a switch to Turkey.
Why is Richarlison not in the Tottenham squad?
Manager Roberto De Zerbi personally informed Richarlison he would not be included in the Premier League squad. De Zerbi said, "I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave." This decision followed Richarlison starting in Spurs' first game of the campaign, a 3-0 defeat to Brentford, but being left out entirely for their second league match, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United. The Brazilian, who was the club's top scorer last season with 12 goals, joined Spurs from Everton in July 2022 in a deal worth a potential £60 million including add-ons.
What is the status of Trabzonspor's bids?
Trabzonspor have had two bids for Richarlison rejected by Tottenham. The club's initial £15 million offer and a subsequent £20 million bid were both turned down. However, with the Super Lig transfer window set to close on Friday evening, the Turkish side are expected to return with an increased offer. The player has reportedly agreed personal terms, with suggestions his salary will triple. This potential move would be a significant boost for Trabzonspor, who currently sit 11th in the Süper Lig with 4 points from 3 games (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss). They are 3 points behind leaders Galatasaray and have scored 4 goals while conceding 4, leaving them with a zero goal difference.
Why did the Folarin Balogun transfer collapse?
As the Richarlison pursuit continues, the proposed transfer of another forward linked with Trabzonspor, Folarin Balogun, to Everton collapsed at the last minute. Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro stated, "We are still waiting for Balo to come back and to sit and discuss and to realise between us what is next." The US international's move to Everton fell through after the club attempted to renegotiate a deal with Monaco following adverse findings during his medical examination. Monaco are keen to offload Balogun, who was signed from Arsenal for €30 million in 2023. He scored 31 goals in 91 games for Monaco and netted three times in four matches during the 2026 World Cup. FIFA suspended a one-game ban for kicking Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic, allowing him to play in the last-16 against Belgium, a match Belgium won 4-1.
What is Trabzonspor's current league position?
Amid a busy transfer agenda, Trabzonspor also need to improve their league form. With a recent run of loss, win, draw (LWD), the 4-point team faces Kocaelispor, who are 6th in the table, at home on 20 December 2026. The club's current squad structure and stats are under review by the technical staff. This transfer activity in the early weeks of the season could also impact the team's injury situation. Should the Richarlison deal be completed, it will add significant experience to the team's attacking line.
