Richarlison was recently linked with a £50m switch to Tottenham but that now seems a long way from happening. Here’s why.
Phil Bardsley of Stoke City battles for possession with Richarlison de Andrade of Watford during the Premier League match at Bet365 Stadium.
Just six days before the January transfer window closed, Brazilian publication ESporte reported that it would cost at least £50m to sign Richarlison from Watford.
An impressive start to the season after a summer switch from Fluminense saw the forward being linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Marco Silva reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford.
Rumours that the 20-year-old would leave Vicarage Road only increased when Marco Silva was sacked as manager, with the Portuguese having been instrumental in the youngster choosing the Hornets whan a transfer to Ajax looked as good as done.
Spurs appeared to be the most natural fit, with boss Mauricio Pochettino having built a reputation of developing youth and the North Londoners – at the time – in need of support in attacking midfield.
Yet instead Tottenham spent less than half the proposed value of Richarlison on a fellow countryman, landing Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain for £23m (BBC).
Tottenham Hotspur’s new midfielder Lucas Moura gestures to fans on the pitch at half-time during the English Premier League football match against Manchester United.
Although five years older, Moura is a much more established star with 13 major trophies to his name – including four Ligue 1 titles – and 35 caps for Brazil.
This has also coincided with a significant drop in form from Richarlison, who despite having recorded five goals and four assists in the Premier League so far this term, has not done either since December 12.
Once a seemingly perfect fit for Pochettino, does this decline and the arrival of Moura at Wembley Stadium suggest the Argentine has now made alternative plans?
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match against Manchester United.
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