Tottenham striker Richarlison could leave the club in 2026, and it is believed that Thomas Frank has already been offered a replacement for the Brazilian.
Richarlison targeted by Orlando City with talks held
The 28-year-old started this season in electric fashion, scoring an early goal of the season contender with a bicycle kick against Burnley on the opening day, but doubts have surrounded Richarlison’s ability to lead the line on a consistent basis.
Signed for £60 million from Everton, the striker’s flashes of brilliance have been undercut by stretches of inconsistent form and bad luck with injuries.
Matches
11
Wins
6
Draws
3
Losses
2
Points
18
Points per game
1.91
Frank dropped Richarlison in favour of Mathys Tel against Leeds, with the Frenchman responding by scoring their opening goal of the game and helping Tottenham to a gritty 2-1 win at Elland Road.
“Richarlison for me, big money, £60 million he cost. He started the season on fire, two goals against Burnley, then scored a tap-in against Brighton,” pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor told talkSPORT last week.
“Then you’re like, this could be the season Richarlison kicks on and becomes the main man, but the same thing happens season after season with Richarlison.
“He will have a couple of good games, he’ll have three or four games where he will give absolutely zero, and if he’s leading your line, with Solanke’s injury problems, that’s a scare for me for Spurs.”
With his contract expiring in 2027, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and the new-look Spurs board must make a decision on the striker’s long-term future soon.
Crystal Palace have been named as a potential destination for Richarlison, as have MLS side Orlando City, who’ve moved with the most serious intent so far.
Oscar Pareja’s side held a meeting with the forward’s representatives in London ahead of a potential 2026 move, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, with an exit for Richarlison next summer viewed as possible, even if he’s a “key player” for Frank at this moment in time.
Dominic Solanke’s injury woes, with the striker still out of action after minor ankle surgery, also highlights the potential need for Spurs to consider new striker options heading into next year.
Frank is said to have personally contacted Ivan Toney about the possibility of joining Tottenham on loan in January, according to some reports, and now Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović has emerged as an option too.
Tottenham offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović by agents
According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, Vlahovic’s camp are reaching out to potential suitors, and they’ve held talks with Spurs.
The Serbia international’s contract expires in 2026, meaning he could be available either for free next summer or for a small fee in January. He’s started the campaign in fine form — scoring four goals in eight appearances so far — including a brace against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
That being said, he’d almost certainly have to take a dramatic pay cut on his rumoured £370,000-per-week wages if a move to N17 is to become possible.
As Tottenham are offered the chance to sign Vlahovic, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also weighing up free transfer offers next summer, Frank’s side could potentially sneak ahead of the European heavyweights by agreeing a low-cost winter deal.
Money won’t be an obstacle, especially since the Lewis family have just pumped £100 million into Spurs via ENIC.
What’s more, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has already called Vlahovic “one of the best of his generation”.
“Vlahovic is a quality striker, he is one of the best of his generation. He can do much better going forward, he has so much to give,” Mbappe said in 2022.
“He has already shown so much, Only time will tell, but I don’t think it is a big risk for me to say that he will be a top striker in the coming years.”