Richarlison is one three Tottenham players who have asked to leave the club, manager Roberto de Zerbi has revealed.
Richarlison was left out of the Spurs squad for Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United, having started last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Brentford.
And De Zerbi said after the game that the Brazilian had requested to leave the club, naming him with defender Kevin Danso and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr as a trio of wantaway players.
“Richarlison, he said too many times that he wanted to leave,” said De Zerbi. “Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. Sarr the same, but he also suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.
“I love these players and these are great guys. I have very good relationships. But if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we’ll find other players.”
Spurs have spent around £300m on transfers this summer in a bid to dramatically turn around their fortunes on the pitch following a 17th-placed finish last season.
The club are still searching for more additions before Tuesday’s deadline, although they are set to miss out on key target Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool and Netherlands winger, who is widely reported to be on the verge of an £85m transfer to Manchester City.
De Zerbi added: “If I was positive last season when we were in the Championship, because when I came (in March) we were in the Championship, what do you think my thoughts now could be?
“I’m sorry for the fans, for the environment because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons. I have no doubt it’s not like this. I can’t change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.
“I’m sorry for the club, because they are building a great squad but maybe now we are not ready yet, for many, many reasons.
“Today, I think, until the first goal, we played better than Newcastle. It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge and it’s the biggest target to find the right mentality. Unfortunately, you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market or putting many players inside.
“Football is like a magic thing, you know? You can change many players in a window, in one window of transfer market and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time.
“I think we (will) achieve this target and this goal. I would like to achieve this target quickly and as soon as possible because it is crucial to play football, but the plan and the project of the club and what we are doing to build and rebuild a new team with great players is a great plan and a great project.”
Spurs’s next game is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday 5 September.