President claims Tottenham are willing to sell £60m player to him in January after making transfer enquiry

Tottenham Hotspur could see significant activity in the upcoming January transfer window. Despite their emphatic 5-0 victory over Southampton, there remains room for improvement in the squad.

The North London club has struggled for consistency, failing to secure back-to-back Premier League wins since September and enduring a five-match winless streak across all competitions before the triumph at St. Mary’s.

Manager Ange Postecoglou has openly highlighted areas that need strengthening. Last week, he expressed dissatisfaction with Timo Werner’s performances, fueling speculation that the German loanee may return to RB Leipzig in January.

Additionally, Tottenham faces persistent issues in central defense due to injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, making reinforcements in that area a priority.

Beyond these concerns, another headline revolves around the potential departure of Richarlison. The Brazilian forward, who has struggled to consistently impress since his big-money move from Everton, has attracted interest from his former club, Fluminense.

The Brazilian side’s president, Mario Bittencourt, recently made their interest public, revealing details of early discussions with Tottenham regarding a possible deal for the No. 9.

Bittencourt disclosed that Spurs did not entirely dismiss the prospect of negotiations. Speaking to Globo Esporte, he stated, “Tottenham responded that they are open to the offer but are not currently interested in offloading the player.

However, they are willing to listen. We are also in talks with the player to gauge his interest in returning. What is certain is that we have formally expressed our interest in Richarlison.

“We understand how challenging it will be to secure his transfer, but we believe he may desire to be closer to the Brazilian national team and return to the club where he initially made his mark. I have a close relationship with him, and we have submitted an initial document to Tottenham, not yet an official offer, but a request to explore negotiations.”

Richarlison, who rose to prominence at Fluminense after joining from America Mineiro in 2016, scored 19 goals in 67 appearances for the Brazilian giants before moving to Watford for £11.5 million. The possibility of a return to his boyhood club could appeal to the forward, especially with the allure of playing in his home country and maintaining proximity to the national team setup.

Postecoglou, however, has expressed mixed sentiments about Richarlison’s role in the squad. While acknowledging the forward’s struggles with fitness, the manager sees potential in him and has highlighted his impact when fit. In recent comments, Postecoglou noted, “With Richy, it has been frustrating because I see the potential in him.

To be fair, when he’s been fit, he has always made an impact. I think back to the start of last year and his scoring run when he rejoined the team. Even in the limited games he’s played this year, he’s had an influence.

“That’s the kind of thing you hold onto, but there’s no denying we need reinforcements in the attacking third over the next couple of transfer windows. Not necessarily to replace him but to add depth and competition.”

Tottenham paid £60 million to acquire Richarlison from Everton in July 2022, and the player remains under contract until June 2027. Any potential deal with Fluminense would likely require a substantial bid to tempt Spurs into a sale. Newcastle United, another club reportedly interested in the forward, adds further complexity to the situation, potentially driving up his valuation.

While Fluminense hopes to persuade Richarlison to return, their ability to meet Tottenham’s financial demands remains a question. Richarlison’s performances in England have been inconsistent, but his talent and potential are undeniable, particularly in Postecoglou’s eyes.

A move back to Brazil could provide the player with a fresh start, yet Tottenham may hesitate to part ways without securing adequate replacements.

As January approaches, Tottenham faces crucial decisions regarding both incoming and outgoing transfers. Addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and adding attacking depth will be high on the agenda, while Richarlison’s future hangs in the balance.

Whether Fluminense’s interest materializes into a concrete offer or Tottenham opts to retain the Brazilian, this transfer saga promises to be one of the defining stories of the winter window.