Tottenham suddenly have two possible routes out for Richarlison in Brazil, and things have moved quite a bit since Monday’s social media campaign.
Vasco da Gama supporters spent the past couple of days pushing #RicharlisonNoVasco and asking Spurs to “let the man go”.
At that point, a move looked unlikely. Richarlison wasn’t keen on rushing back to Brazil and was prepared to wait for another opportunity.
Less than 24 hours later, the picture already looks a bit different. Reports in Brazil now say Vasco have reopened conversations for the 29-year-old. Atlético Mineiro have also made contact about taking him on loan.
And, crucially, Richarlison may now be reconsidering his position.
Vasco campaign may have actually worked
Club insider outlet Atenção Vascaínos says Vasco tried to sign Richarlison around two months ago. The answer from the Tottenham player was negative.
Richarlison reportedly said he had “a great desire” to wear the Vasco shirt at some point, but his priority was Saudi Arabia. That move never arrived of course.
Vasco president Pedrinho has now authorised sporting director Admar Lopes to reopen conversations with the striker, according to the report.
And there’s another interesting claim from Brazil. Journalist Guilherme Frossard reports that the huge response from Vasco supporters over the past few days has had an impact on Richarlison.
Returning to Brazil at this stage wasn’t previously in the plans of the player or his representatives. Given his rather unusual situation at Tottenham, Frossard says that position could now be reconsidered.
And there may be even more room for optimism at Vasco. NewsColina report that Richarlison’s adviser has mocked the suggestion the striker doesn’t want to return to Brazil at this stage.
That was in response to ESPN Brazil reporting that, despite the mobilisation from Vasco supporters, Richarlison still had no desire to return home right now. So perhaps #RicharlisonNoVasco wasn’t such a pointless exercise after all.
Atlético ask Tottenham man about loan
Vasco aren’t alone anymore. Frossard also says Atlético Mineiro have contacted Richarlison to understand the conditions required to sign him on loan. Talks have been opened, although Vasco are described as providing “strong competition”.
According to Frossard, Vasco are currently ahead in the race. But there’s a small financial detail connecting Atlético and Tottenham.
The Brazilian club are due approximately €1.6m (£1.4m) from Spurs in relation to their percentage of Savinho’s transfer.
There’s no claim that money has been included in discussions over Richarlison. It does at least give the two clubs another financial element they could potentially work with if talks progress. The bigger question is what Tottenham are now prepared to accept.
Time is the problem. Brazil’s transfer window closes on Friday. Vasco have reopened the door, Atlético have entered the picture and Richarlison may finally be willing to reconsider a return home.
After weeks of failed exits, Tottenham suddenly have something to work with.
