Richarlison pushes for early exit as Tottenham refuse friendly split

Brazilian striker Richarlison is trying to end his Tottenham Hotspur contract before its June 2027 expiry, after being omitted from the Premier League squad and told by manager Roberto De Zerbi that he is not in the club’s plans for 2026.

Contract dead‑end and registration issue

Richarlison’s exclusion from the Premier League registration list means he cannot feature in league matches this season. The club’s decision, confirmed by De Zerbi, leaves the forward without competitive football and fuels his desire for a mutual termination.

Having started the opening game against Brentford, playing 68 minutes, the striker later voiced his wish to leave on social media, prompting De Zerbi to publicly state he would not use him even if available.

Legal route and January deadline

Sports‑law specialist Eduardo Carlezzo told GE that players in similar situations have sometimes obtained a just‑cause termination through FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber when barred from competition.

Carlezzo warned that each case is assessed individually, considering the contract, the club‑player relationship and the competitions the player could still contest.

Without a friendly agreement, Richarlison could remain sidelined until January, when Tottenham may amend the Premier League registration. At that point he would enter the final six months of his deal and could sign a pre‑contract to leave without a transfer fee.

Earlier talks with Vasco da Gama fell through, leaving the forward in England with no immediate destination. The club’s poor start to the Premier League season – last place after five games with two points and no wins – has not altered De Zerbi’s stance.

Richarlison’s camp acknowledges that “Sem um acordo amigável” (without a friendly agreement) the termination route appears increasingly likely, though both sides consider a settlement improbable at present.