Tottenham block Shabab Al Ahli bid, keep Richarlison until January
Tottenham Hotspur have turned down Shabab Al Ahli’s approach for Brazilian forward Richarlison, meaning the 29‑year‑old will remain in North London until at least January despite an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months this season and continue training with the squad.
Failed moves and new interest
Earlier this week, TEAMtalk reported that Richarlison’s potential exits to Everton, Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama all fell through. The Brazilian forward then attracted interest from Shabab Al Ahli, with former Brazilian Olympic manager Andre Jardine urging a reunion. The UAE side saw an opportunity to sign the 29‑year‑old.
Sources told TEAMtalk that Tottenham rejected the UAE Pro League’s proposal because the terms did not meet the club’s requirements. The offer would have allowed Richarlison to move in the January window, but Spurs deemed it unsuitable. Consequently, the forward’s departure to the Middle East bid is off the table for now.
The Middle East transfer window remains open for just over another week, yet no further approach appears imminent. With the deadline looming, Shabab Al Ahli’s bid is unlikely to be revived before the window closes. Tottenham’s decision therefore locks the player in North London for the short term.
Richarlison now finds himself excluded from Tottenham’s Premier League squad, facing a spell of up to three‑and‑a‑half months without competitive action. The lack of first‑team football adds pressure to his already uncertain summer, as he remains on the periphery of the club’s plans.
Contract length and future options
Richarlison is contracted to Tottenham until the end of the current season, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. Despite the rejected offer, the Brazilian remains a Spurs player and could still depart in January if a suitable proposal emerges.
Tottenham must now decide how to manage the forward between now and the winter window. With his future unresolved and his contract set to expire, the club faces a dilemma over whether to retain, loan or sell Richarlison before the season concludes.