Aston Villa made an attempt to sign Tottenham striker Richarlison before the English transfer window closed, but Spurs’ financial demands helped kill the move.
That’s according to ESPN Brazil, who bring some extra information on the Brazilian’s situation after deadline day.
Aston Villa’s interest is interesting given the questions around Ollie Watkins and their search for another centre-forward. Richarlison could have provided competition or another solution in attack.
They ultimately invested in Nicolas Jackson, although ESPN don’t make it clear whether their move for Richarlison came before or after that deal.
So we can’t say for certain that it was a case of Villa choosing Jackson over the Tottenham man. Richarlison could have been an alternative, or they may have considered bringing both players in.
That possibility shouldn’t be completely dismissed given their options in the position. Alongside Jackson, Villa currently have Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo available as centre-forwards.
Either way, the move for Richarlison didn’t get far.
Tottenham wanted £30m
ESPN explains Tottenham wanted £30m (€34.7m) to sell Richarlison, despite the striker having only one year left on his current contract.
Spurs do have an option to extend that agreement for another season, giving them some protection and explaining why they were prepared to stand firm.
Everton couldn’t meet Tottenham’s asking price and also had problems covering Richarlison’s salary. The financial package was simply too much.
Aston Villa’s interest went nowhere for similar reasons. That ultimately left Richarlison at Tottenham when the Premier League window closed, despite the Brazilian having already told Roberto De Zerbi that he wanted to leave the club. Or perhaps he didn’t, judging by his Instagram post. It’s all become a little difficult to work out.
There are, though, still ways out. ESPN says people close to Richarlison were already looking towards countries whose transfer windows remained open. Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were specifically mentioned.
The belief around the striker was that clubs in those markets could afford both Tottenham’s asking price and his wages. A few hours later, that Turkish possibility has become very real.
So what are Trabzonspor offering?
As we covered earlier today, Richarlison now has a verbal agreement with Trabzonspor.
The Turkish journalist initially reported that the striker was open to their approach. He later added that Richarlison had verbally agreed terms and was putting pressure on Tottenham to accept the offer on the table.
That brings us straight back to the money. If Tottenham wouldn’t compromise enough to make deals with Everton or Aston Villa work, what exactly have Trabzonspor offered?
ESPN’s information gives us a useful benchmark. Spurs were asking for £30m (€34.7m) before the English deadline. And they’re being consistent with that requirement throughout the window.
There’s no suggestion yet that Trabzonspor have matched that figure. Indeed, the claim that Richarlison is having to push Tottenham to accept their proposal could suggest there’s still work to do between the clubs.
For the player, the Turkish interest makes sense. His camp was already expecting the remaining open markets to provide another opportunity after England closed for business.
Now Trabzonspor have stepped forward and Richarlison reportedly wants the move. The question is whether they can do what Aston Villa and Everton couldn’t – put together a financial package Tottenham are prepared to accept.
