Richarlison faces uncertain future at Tottenham Hotspur as Roberto De Zerbi says he 'doesn't know' if Brazilian forward will stay
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By Ben Grounds
Updated 01/08/2026 at 17:07 GMT+1
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Richarlison's long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur remains unresolved despite the forward's match-winning contribution in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea, with Roberto De Zerbi acknowledging the Brazilian has yet to make a definitive decision over his next move.
'Sometimes he says to stay, sometimes leave' - De Zerbi on Richarlison's Spurs future
Video credit: SNTV
The 29-year-old provided the decisive moment in Sydney on Saturday, scoring a stoppage-time winner as Spurs secured a 2-1 pre-season victory over Chelsea. But with just 12 months remaining on his contract, Richarlison’s long-term position at the club is unclear.
Despite the uncertainty, De Zerbi has made it clear that he values the forward highly and believes replacing his qualities would be difficult.
Spurs are still looking to strengthen their attacking options before the window closes, but the head coach insists Richarlison remains part of his plans.
"I don't know because as a player, as a guy, he's unbelievable [in] his attitude and behaviour, but in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do," De Zerbi said in a post-match press conference.
The Italian coach highlighted Richarlison's goalscoring record and the challenge of finding a replacement with similar qualities.
"For me, he's still an important player because it's not easy to find another striker like Richarlison," he added. "Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don't know.
"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score."
De Zerbi was then asked whether Richarlison had made it clear that he wanted to leave Tottenham, but stated the striker's intentions were not fully settled.
”I don't know," De Zerbi added. "I didn't understand well because sometimes he says [he wants] to stay, sometimes he [wants to] leave. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy.”
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Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 and has remained a key attacking option despite a difficult period for the club last season.
The Spurs head coach continued to praise Richarlison’s contribution behind the scenes.
"All of us love him, the team-mates, the club and the staff, because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can't say anything [negative] about him on the pitch," De Zerbi added.
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Richarlison has 12 months remaining on his current contract
Image credit: Getty Images
De Zerbi explains Gray captaincy
While one player's situation remains unresolved, De Zerbi has also been focused on developing the next generation of Spurs players, with Archie Gray emerging as one of the young figures he believes can play a major role in the club’s future.
The 20-year-old was handed the captain’s armband throughout Spurs’ pre-season tour of Australia, with De Zerbi explaining that the responsibility was designed to strengthen Gray’s confidence and underline his importance to the squad.
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When asked about the decision to elevate Gray into a leadership role, De Zerbi replied with a smile: ”I'm the coach, I decide.”
He then explained why the opportunity was valuable for the youngster.
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Archie Gray has been captaining Spurs during pre-season
Image credit: Getty Images
"Anyway, I think this has been more important for Archie Gray than for Ben Davies because it's to give Archie something more as a confidence [booster]," he added.
"Last season, I said he is the future of the club, as well as the present. It's important for us because he can cover two or three positions on the pitch.
"He doesn't love too much to play in the right-back position, but I think with the captain, you have to think first for the group, for the team, for the club, then for yourself.
"So it was something more to give him because he decided to give more to this club, even with his different position, even if he doesn't play in the best 11."
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