Roberto De Zerbi issues update on Richarlison’s Tottenham future amid contract saga

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has ruled out former Everton striker Richarlison for the club’s Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool, citing contract disputes and a lack of agreement on a new deal. The forward, who has been left out of the 25‑man Premier League squad, remains eligible for domestic cup…

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:54:39 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has made it clear that former Everton striker Richarlison will not be part of the squad for the club’s upcoming Carabao Cup match against Liverpool. The decision follows a series of contract negotiations that have ended without an agreement and a broader strategy to reshape the team’s forward line.

What Happened?

Richarlison was omitted from the 25‑man Premier League list submitted earlier this month, a move that effectively sidelines him for the league until the January transfer window. Despite being eligible for domestic cup competitions, De Zerbi confirmed that the forward will not feature in the Carabao Cup tie at Anfield. The striker, who has scored four goals in seven appearances against Liverpool, was left out of the squad for the 0‑0 draw with Everton and will remain on the sidelines for the midweek trip to Liverpool.

Background on the Contract Saga

The forward’s contract situation has been a point of contention for the past few months. De Zerbi stated that he had approached Richarlison early in the season to discuss a contract extension. When the player declined, the manager said he had “finished his job.” The striker’s refusal to sign a new deal has left the club in a difficult position, as they are unable to field him in the Premier League until the January window opens. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Richarlison has rejected a move to Vasco da Gama and has had links to Trabzonspor that did not materialise.

Manager’s Perspective

In a press conference, De Zerbi explained that the relationship between the player and the club is a matter that “is between the player and the club.” He added that he had spoken to Richarlison many times, attempting to convince him to stay, but the player was not interested. De Zerbi also mentioned that he would not be making wholesale changes to the squad for the upcoming match, instead opting to play other players such as Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel. He highlighted the depth of the squad, citing defenders JP van Hecke and Micky van de Ven as key assets, and expressed confidence that the team could progress in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

What’s Next?

With Richarlison excluded from the squad, Tottenham will rely on other forwards for the Liverpool match. The club’s strategy appears to focus on building a more cohesive unit around the remaining players while keeping the option open to re‑engage with Richarlison after the January transfer window. The situation remains unresolved, and any future developments will depend on negotiations between the player and the club’s management.

Why It Matters

Richarlison’s absence could have a significant impact on Tottenham’s attacking options and overall performance in the upcoming cup fixtures. The decision also reflects the club’s broader approach to player contracts and squad management under De Zerbi’s leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Richarlison will not play for Tottenham in the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.
• The striker is excluded from the 25‑man Premier League squad until January.
• De Zerbi has attempted to negotiate a contract extension with Richarlison, which has failed.
• Richarlison has rejected moves to Vasco da Gama and Trabzonspor.
• Tottenham will rely on other forwards such as Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel for the upcoming match.
• The club aims to progress in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup under De Zerbi’s guidance.

FAQs

• What is Richarlison’s contract status? He is currently not contracted to play in the Premier League until the January transfer window.
• Will he play in the Carabao Cup? No, De Zerbi confirmed he will not be part of the squad for the Liverpool match.
• Has Richarlison considered a move to another club? He has rejected offers from Vasco da Gama and had links to Trabzonspor that did not materialise.
• What is De Zerbi’s plan for Tottenham’s attack? He will use other forwards such as Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel while maintaining squad depth.

Why it matters

The decision to exclude Richarlison from the squad underscores Tottenham’s commitment to a new strategic direction under Roberto De Zerbi and highlights the importance of contract negotiations in shaping a team’s competitive prospects.

Key points

• Richarlison will not play in the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool
• He is excluded from the Premier League squad until January
• De Zerbi attempted a contract extension that failed
• Richarlison rejected moves to Vasco da Gama and Trabzonspor
• Tottenham will rely on other forwards for upcoming matches
• The club aims to progress in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup

Frequently asked questions

What is Richarlison’s contract status?

He is currently not contracted to play in the Premier League until the January transfer window.

Will he play in the Carabao Cup?

No, De Zerbi confirmed he will not be part of the squad for the Liverpool match.

Has Richarlison considered a move to another club?

He has rejected offers from Vasco da Gama and had links to Trabzonspor that did not materialise.

What is De Zerbi’s plan for Tottenham’s attack?

He will use other forwards such as Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel while maintaining squad depth.

Reporting drawn from

• independent.co.uk