Tottenham omit Richarlison from Premier League squad as De Zerbi draws a line

Richarlison will not be available for Tottenham’s Premier League matches after being left off the club’s 25-man registration. The omission shapes Tottenham’s attack through the first half of the season.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the decision on Friday and said the Brazil forward had rejected a late approach from Everton before the English window closed. “I don’t know if there is an offer from Turkey… but I know there was an offer before the end of the transfer market but he did not accept that offer,” De Zerbi said. “For me nothing changes.”

Richarlison, he decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of pre-season. He told me his idea, his desire was to leave.— Roberto De Zerbi

The 29-year-old joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 and is in the final year of his contract. He started the opening-day defeat by Brentford, then was left out of the matchday group for the home loss to Newcastle. De Zerbi said then that Richarlison had “said too many times he wants to leave.” The club told the player before Tuesday’s deadline that he would not be registered so he could seek a move while windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia remain open.

Premier League rules require each club to submit 25 senior players, including at least eight homegrown names. Tottenham have included Xavi Simons on that list. De Zerbi, asked whether leaving Richarlison off was his call, described it as “the normal decision” once a player has made clear he does not want to stay.

The news lands as Tottenham prepare to face Nottingham Forest on the weekend Premier League slate. De Zerbi said the rest of his group is available, with James Maddison back in training and Savio returned. Richarlison cannot be added to the league squad until the winter window, so he will not feature in Premier League matches until then.

The practical point is simple: do not expect the Brazil forward in Tottenham’s Premier League XI or on the bench. Any appearance in other competitions would be a separate registration matter. Until a move is completed, he remains a Tottenham player without a league place.