"If they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club, and they can go." That was Roberto De Zerbi's message as Tottenham were forced to deal with Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr all asking to leave. The timing is awkward enough on its own. Spurs have opened the season with a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle and are bottom of the Premier League with 0 points.
De Zerbi's deadline problem
Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all asked to leave Tottenham, and De Zerbi said Danso came to him two days ago to say he wanted out. He also said Pape Matar Sarr had said the same, although the midfielder has been carrying a small injury and is almost ready to train.
The financial line matters now because De Zerbi is not talking like a manager preparing for a clean exit. He said the players can go only if they bring the club an economic solution, and then Tottenham can move for other players. Spurs have already spent more than £300m this summer, which makes the need for clarity before the deadline even more acute.
Richarlison's start to the season
Richarlison is the one name in this group who still carries real value from last season. He scored 11 goals, but this season he has made only 1 appearance and played 68 minutes. Against Brentford, he had 17 touches, 0 goals, 0 assists and 0 shots.
That is a thin start for a player whose output last season gave Tottenham some reason to keep backing him. His comments about wanting to leave have now been repeated enough for De Zerbi to address them directly, and with the club already 20th in the table, Spurs need some movement before the window closes.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
