Will Richarlison (28, Tottenham Hotspur) soon follow Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) and move to MLS (Major League Soccer)? Orlando City is reportedly targeting him once again.
Tottenham News, which covers Tottenham news, reported on the 25th (Korea time), "Orlando is preparing to sign forward Richarlison. Having met him at Tottenham, they have expressed interest in signing him in the upcoming transfer window."
According to Fabrizio Romano, the European transfer market expert famous for the "HERE WE GO" line, Orlando recently met directly with Richarlison's agents to discuss a transfer. But Richarlison is said to be satisfied with life at Tottenham and has no intention of leaving the team.
Tottenham News also noted, "Richarlison has been a key player for Tottenham this season, appearing in 17 Premier League matches and scoring seven goals. He was linked with moves last summer as well, but Tottenham fans will surely be glad they did not sell him. With Dominic Solanke injured, Richarlison's presence has become more important than ever."
Appearing on the "Men in Blazers" channel, Romano was asked, "Richarlison has not been bad this season, but he does not seem to have captured Tottenham fans' hearts as he did at Everton. Could he leave Tottenham in January?"
The answer was ambiguous. He said, "Well. The possibility that Richarlison could leave at any time has always existed if he wanted to. For example, a year ago there was interest from Saudi Arabia, and a few months ago there was interest from MLS. What I can tell you is that a few months ago Orlando officials went to London and met with Richarlison's side," he said.
Romano added, "In October there was a meeting to convey to Richarlison, 'If you want to come to MLS someday, Orlando will always welcome you.' So it is certain that Orlando has interest in Richarlison."
Finally he said, "Richarlison has always said he wants to stay at Tottenham. Let's see if he changes his mind. There have been many opportunities, but his answer has always been 'I'm happy at Tottenham.' Let's see what happens after the World Cup," and he emphasized, "In MLS, watch 'Orlando Magic.' They will have already met with Richarlison's agent. I can guarantee that."
Richarlison left Everton and joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022. The transfer fee at the time reached 60 million pounds (about 117.6 billion won). Expectations were high, but Richarlison's performance in the Tottenham shirt has been limited. He managed only one league goal in his debut season for Tottenham and was often absent due to frequent injuries.
Since then, Richarlison disappointed fans with injuries and poor form. Last season he started only four Premier League matches. This season, however, he has been playing as a starting forward amid Solanke's injury absence. He has posted eight goals and two assists in 26 official matches, showing his best form since joining Tottenham.
Still, despite the stats, Richarlison remains disappointing in terms of match influence, so transfer rumors persist. For Tottenham, with his contract expiring after next season, there is no reason to refuse a good offer. Orlando, which pursued Richarlison last summer, could see the transfer completed if they return with an appropriate transfer fee.
Tottenham News also predicted, "Richarlison's side has been offered ways for him to leave Tottenham," and added, "Richarlison has regained his best form at Tottenham. Manager Thomas Frank would not want to lose him during the season. Richarlison seems unlikely to leave in the winter transfer window, but we must wait to see how things develop next summer."
Son Heung-min's presence could also influence Richarlison's move to the U.S. Son, who is close friends with Richarlison, ended a 10-year stay with Tottenham in August and moved to MLS.
At the time, after Son Heung-min's farewell match, Richarlison left a letter saying, "Son Heung-min, you are not only a great friend but a great professional player, leader and example as a person. You made history wearing the Tottenham shirt, and I am truly happy to have shared such an important victory with you. You truly deserved it." He also said, "No. (Son) will not leave," showing he could not accept the farewell easily.
Richarlison could not hide his delight at reuniting with Son Heung-min. He met Son, who visited Tottenham earlier this month, and claimed, "This man lifted the trophy because of me." Son retorted, "No. Thanks to Brennan Johnson (for the final's goal)," and they bickered. When Son insisted it was because of Johnson, Richarlison jokingly cursed, "Meet Messina in the final," drawing laughs.
Richarlison even made Son Heung-min part of the 'Brazil legend' group. Recently he posted an AI-generated image featuring himself with Ronaldinho, Neymar, Ronaldo, Romário, Adriano and Son Heung-min — with Son being the only one who is not Brazilian among the seven. Richarlison added a proud emoji and said, "Jealous people will call it a lie!"
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Tottenham, Richarlison social media.
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