If there was somehow still any doubt about Richarlison’s failed move away from Tottenham Hotspur, Admar Lopes has now killed it off completely.
The Vasco da Gama director has publicly explained what happened during those frantic final days of the Brazilian window.
His version is pretty straightforward. Speaking in a press conference, as relayed by local sources, Lopes confirmed Vasco found the money, made an offer and tried everything they could. Richarlison said no.
Vasco made an ‘exception’ for Richarlison
Lopes confirmed the original idea actually came from the Tottenham player’s camp.
“Initially, there was the possibility of a loan, proposed by the player’s staff, but we quickly understood that wouldn’t be viable because of a transfer rule,” he said.
He meant Tottenham had already reached the limit for international loans. Vasco then had to find another way. And that’s where things get interesting.
Lopes says Vasco had already been looking for an opportunity in Richarlison’s position, but with a much smaller budget. And they changed those plans for the Tottenham player.
“In a short period of two or three days – and I have to thank the club’s entire structure, legal and marketing departments -, we managed to find financial support to make an exception,” Lopes said.
“We were already looking for a market opportunity for that position, but with a more limited budget.”
“We managed to make an exception for Richarlison because of the context around the player and because it was a deal led by president Pedrinho.”
That matches the picture which had been coming from Brazil before the deadline. Vasco were prepared to push themselves financially because this wasn’t viewed as an ordinary signing.
And, crucially, Lopes confirms Vasco did make an offer to buy him.
Brazilian club ‘tried everything’
“We tried everything,” the director said. “We really did make an offer to buy him, but what happened is that the player didn’t accept the terms of a permanent transfer.”
“Until the final day, we tried everything within our reach to convince him, but the player refused and said it wasn’t the right time to return to Brazil.”
That’s about as definitive as it gets. There had been conflicting information during the saga over exactly how far negotiations between Vasco and Tottenham had progressed. What we now have directly from the Brazilian club is confirmation that a purchase proposal existed.
Previous reports had already suggested Tottenham were happy with the financial structure eventually put together.
Vasco then tried to accommodate Richarlison’s desire to return abroad in January, including with an early exit clause. It still wasn’t enough. The permanent nature of the transfer was the problem for the player.
Vasco close the door
Vasco had identified Richarlison as someone who fitted what they wanted, and clearly went well beyond their original budget to try to get him.
“We believed Richarlison was the player who had the characteristics and qualities we were looking for, but it wasn’t possible,” Lopes said. “We believe in the players we have and we’re confident we’ll achieve the objectives we’ve set ourselves.”
“That’s why this deal and this subject are closed from now on,” he concluded. So in the end he isn’t leaving much room for another round of this story either.
So that’s finally that, at least from Vasco’s side. After weeks of twists around the Tottenham player, Lopes has now put Vasco’s version on the record from start to finish.
