Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he is uncertain whether Richarlison will remain at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the summer transfer window, revealing the Brazilian has sent mixed messages over his future.
The 29-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, underlined his importance by scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner as 10-man Spurs defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Sydney. However, De Zerbi acknowledged there is still uncertainty over whether the striker will stay in north London.
Speaking after the match at Accor Stadium, the Tottenham head coach said he had yet to establish exactly what Richarlison wants.
“I don’t know because I like him as a player and as a guy,” De Zerbi said.
“He’s unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.”
De Zerbi unsure over Richarlison’s Tottenham future
When asked directly if the Brazil international was pushing for a move away, the Italian replied: “I don’t know. I didn’t understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave.
“We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He’s a lovely guy.”
Despite the uncertainty, De Zerbi made it clear he would be happy to keep Richarlison, highlighting the striker’s experience and goalscoring ability after a campaign in which he scored 12 times despite Tottenham’s difficult season.
🚨🇧🇷 Roberto de Zerbi on Richarlison possible exit: “I like Richarlison as a player, as a guy, it's unbelievable the attitude and behaviour, but at the end we have to respect what he wants to do”.
“We love him! Let’s see what he wants to do”, says via @AlasdairGold. pic.twitter.com/9TCGr414FC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2026
“For me, he’s still an important player because it’s not easy to find another striker like Richarlison,” he said.
“Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don’t know.
“He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score.”
The Tottenham boss also praised the forward’s professionalism, insisting he remains a valued member of the squad.
“All of us love him, the team-mates, the club and the staff because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can’t say anything about him on the pitch.”
Richarlison’s future has come under increased scrutiny as Tottenham continue an ambitious summer rebuild, with the club still pursuing further attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.