Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah makes personal Richarlison call as Tottenham star faces transfer deadline decision

Richarlison faces a Tottenham exit and a stark choice between Trabzonspor or Saudi Arabia, with Mohamed Salah and Fabinho pushing for a Turkish move before deadlines slam shut.

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Richarlison’s future at Tottenham Hotspur hangs precariously in the balance, with the Brazil international facing an imminent departure from north London. The striker has been conspicuously omitted from Roberto De Zerbi’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the 2026/27 campaign, a clear signal that the club is actively seeking to offload him before the transfer windows close.

According to GiveMeSport, the 29-year-old’s options are now largely limited to clubs in Saudi Arabia or Turkey, with the major European transfer windows already closed. Time is rapidly running out, with the Turkish Super Lig transfer window set to close on Friday, September 4, followed by the Saudi Pro League window on Sunday, September 6. Should a move not materialise, Richarlison faces the prospect of spending at least the next six months away from Tottenham’s senior Premier League squad.

Trabzonspor push with Salah and Fabinho’s help

Turkish giants Trabzonspor have emerged as a primary suitor and are actively pursuing Richarlison’s signature. GiveMeSport reports that the club have already seen two bids, reportedly worth £15 million and £20 million, rejected by Tottenham. Spurs, however, are holding out for a figure closer to £40 million for their top goalscorer from last season, who netted 12 goals across all competitions.

In a significant development, former Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has personally intervened in an attempt to persuade Richarlison to make the switch. Salah, who completed a move to Trabzonspor this summer after his contract at Liverpool was terminated by mutual consent, reportedly telephoned the Spurs striker, according to ESPN Brasil.

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As also detailed by GiveMeSport, fellow Brazilian and former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has spoken to Richarlison about the possibility of joining Trabzonspor. A move to the Turkish side would reportedly see Richarlison triple his current salary, providing another substantial incentive for the striker to leave north London.

This isn’t the first time Richarlison has faced transfer uncertainty. A previous potential move to Everton fell through after he could not agree personal terms, with Iliman Ndiaye, who was part of that proposed deal, ultimately joining Manchester City instead.

De Zerbi’s frustration and the looming deadlines

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has previously expressed his frustration regarding Richarlison’s wavering stance on his future. As highlighted by GiveMeSport, De Zerbi admitted he had struggled to understand exactly what the Brazilian wanted to do.

“I didn’t understand well because sometimes he says [he wants] to stay, sometimes he [wants to] leave,” De Zerbi said, highlighting the player’s indecision.

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Despite the uncertainty, the Tottenham boss was complimentary about Richarlison’s professionalism and behaviour. “I don’t know, because as a player, as a guy, he’s unbelievable [in] his attitude and behaviour, but in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.”

With the Turkish deadline rapidly approaching, the coming hours could prove decisive for Richarlison. GiveMeSport suggests that failure to secure a move to Trabzonspor would leave Saudi Arabia as his most realistic remaining route out of Tottenham before that window also closes.

The stakes are therefore significant for the Brazilian forward. Unless Tottenham and one of his remaining suitors can reach an agreement, Richarlison could face an extended spell away from regular first-team football, making a resolution to his uncertain future increasingly urgent.

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