Richarlison can do nothing right at Tottenham – he’s destined for Saudi Arabia switch after failing miserably

Richarlison’s Tottenham woes have gone from bad to worse and all signs point towards a summer transfer to Saudi Arabia.

That’s the view of his ex-Watford teammate Troy Deeney, who has stated that ‘something’s gone wrong’ for the 27-year-old in north London.

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The Brazilian joined Spurs from Everton in a deal rising to £60million in 2022 having scored 53 goals in 152 games for the Toffees.

But he has never got going at Tottenham, with the striker boasting almost as many injuries [ten] as he has Premier League goals [14].

Having already missed 27 matches this term due to numerous setbacks, Richarlison looks set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up a calf issue in Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Boss Ange Postecoglou declared after the brutal loss that the player was left ’emotional’ over his latest injury, admitting that it ‘didn’t look too good’.

His continued struggles has led to uncertainty over his long-term future at Spurs ahead of a potential exit in the next transfer window.

Assessing Richarlison’s time at Tottenham so far, Deeney, who played alongside him at Vicarage Road in the 2017/18 season, told talkSPORT.com: “I feel sorry for him.

“There’s something clearly going wrong. He can’t seem to stay fit.

“He started the game [vs Liverpool] OK, and then ran into the channel and his calf just popped instantly.

“It’s a shame, like I say, something’s gone wrong there [at Spurs].

“Because at Watford he played 18 [12] months in a row, at Everton he played more or less every game – he was a leader for them.

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“He then goes to Spurs and he just can’t seem to stay fit and I don’t really know what the answer is.”

And when pressed whether the player should depart north London to recapture his form, Deeney insisted there’s only one place Richarlison can go.

He remarked: “I think he is going to have to leave, because where does he go?

“It’s sad to say, but if you haven’t done it at Spurs, he’s probably going to end up going Saudi, somewhere like that.

“[He can] make a few quid for himself, but he needs to stay fit and available.

“It’s a shame because he’s a good player, he’s a very good boy and a nice lad.”

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Richarlison was heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia last year, but snubbed a move despite the riches on offer, declaring: “The money is big, but my dreams are bigger.”

It’s been a difficult 2025 for Tottenham so far having lost five times already, with their trophy drought threatening to enter an 18th year.

And things don’t get any easier for Spurs on Sunday as they face Aston Villa away in the FA Cup fourth round.

Some Spurs fans are calling for the axing of Postecoglou, and Deeney has acknowledged that the Australian will be on thin ice should they be defeated in the Midlands.

He stated: “I don’t think he will get sacked after that game. If they lose to Manchester United [February 16], I think he’s in all sorts of pressure.

“Because at the start of this week they were in three competitions and looking to get players back to finish the season strong and finish in the top ten.

“I think if he loses the semi-final [vs Liverpool], loses in the FA Cup and then loses to Man United, they could be like 16th [in table], they could be in the bottom four.

“I just think they’re going to have to really step it up, and would you trust the manager if you’re the owner at that point?

“I don’t think it’s the right decision [to sack Postecoglou], I think it’s more on the players to step up now and a lot needs to be looked at at Tottenham as an organisation.”