Richarlison’s Vasco da Gama Move Falls Through Despite Spurs Fee Agreement
Richarlison’s planned move to Vasco da Gama is off after personal terms could not be settled, despite Tottenham and the Brazilian club reaching an agreement on a transfer fee.
The collapse leaves the 29-year-old facing a likely stay in north London beyond Friday night’s Brazilian transfer deadline, although his Tottenham future remains deeply uncertain.
Richarlison dispute leaves Spurs decision looming
Richarlison has been excluded from Tottenham’s Premier League squad and is training with the Under-21 group as his dispute with the club escalates. He believes that demotion could provide grounds to seek termination of the final nine months of his contract through FIFA.
He has already approached football’s governing body while exploring a route out of Spurs. If FIFA supports his case, Richarlison could sign for another club even after transfer windows have closed.
- Richarlison started Tottenham’s opening-day defeat at Brentford, a match that could prove to be his final appearance for the club.
- A proposed £35 million deadline-day transfer to Everton then failed.
- Talks over a return to Brazil with Vasco also broke down over the player’s personal terms.
- The forward has now pursued a FIFA case over his contract situation.
Everton return also rejected
Everton had been a major option for Richarlison, who scored 53 times in 152 appearances during his previous spell at Goodison Park. However, he turned down a reunion with David Moyes after becoming unhappy with the way the negotiations were conducted.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi offered no clear update when asked about the row on Friday. “I don’t know. It is not my responsibility,” he said, before insisting that the club, player and his agent all understood what had happened over the past two months.
What happens next
- Brazil’s transfer window shuts on Friday night, leaving little time for any revived Vasco agreement.
- Tottenham can activate a further 12 months on Richarlison’s deal, strengthening their position in any contract fight.
- Richarlison hopes to follow Renan Lodi, whose FIFA intervention led to his contract being ended last year.
- Spurs must choose whether to challenge the FIFA process or negotiate a mutual exit to prevent a prolonged legal dispute.
