Tottenham block Richarlison as Vasca move stalls amid contract dispute

Tottenham Hotspur have a 12‑month option to extend Richarlison’s contract until the end of next season, yet the north London club have decided against releasing the 29‑year‑old forward as he pushes for a move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama.

Tottenham Hotspur star RIcharlison remains under contract despite the ongoing saga, and the club have made clear they will not let him leave for nothing.

Swap deal collapse stalls exit

The club’s initial plan was to offload Richarlison in a swap deal involving Iliman Ndiaye during the final days of the England summer transfer window. The deal collapsed because the forward could not agree terms with Everton, leaving Tottenham unable to sign Ndiaye, who instead joined Manchester City.

Spurs then turned to Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, securing him on loan with an option to buy as an alternative to the stalled swap. Mudryk’s arrival provided immediate reinforcement on the left flank while the club continued to explore other options for Richarlison.

Brazilian move hangs on deadline

Richarlison has since missed a move to Super Lig side Trabzonspor and is now focusing on a transfer to Vasco da Gama. The Vasca move has reportedly been agreed, though official confirmation remains pending, and a move to Brazil would see the striker return to his home continent. Reports on Thursday claim he is also seeking to terminate his contract to facilitate a free exit, but the summer window in Brazil closes on Friday night.

Tottenham and the player’s representatives remain at odds over the remaining nine months of his deal, with the club holding a 12‑month extension option until the end of the next season. Spurs are unwilling to negotiate a settlement, deeming a free exit unrealistic.

Roberto De Zerbi explained his pre‑season conversation with the striker: “At the beginning of pre‑season I spoke to Richarlison and asked him if he wanted to extend his contract because I was happy to keep him with us,” De Zerbi said. “He didn’t want to. … I’m sorry for him, but we have to go to another page and work with Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush.”

The episode highlights how Premier League clubs are increasingly using loan deals and contract extensions to manage squad balance when permanent transfers stall. Tottenham’s refusal to release Richarlison for free mirrors a wider trend of clubs protecting asset value while seeking alternative signings.