Daniel Levy stance on Richarlison Tottenham exit amid Saudi Pro League transfer talk
Tottenham chief Daniel Levy will only sell Richarlison this summer if he recoups the majority of the fee he paid Everton, according to Alan Hutton.
The 27-year-old has struggled with fitness issues for the majority of the season under Ange Postecoglou and has therefore only managed to start 18 Premier League matches scoring 11 goals and laying on four assits.
Reports have emerged that clubs in the Saudi Pro League including Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Shabab have all discussed the prospect of moving to sign the Brazilian international ahead of the summer transfer window [talkSPORT, 12 May].
Although Tottenham aren’t actively trying to sell Richarlison, Hutton believes Levy could consider parting ways with the 27-year-old if he is offered anywhere near the £60million they reportedly paid the Toffees [BBC Sport, 1 July 2022].
“I’m sure Daniel would want the money back he paid for him,” Hutton told Tottenham News.
“Whether he gets that or not is a different conversation but he will want as close to it as possible, but I think that will always be difficult after not having the best season of your career.
“I kind of feel for him a little bit, he looks like he is always down in the dumps like he has the weight of the world on his shoulder but you just want him to play with that freedom because you know he has got that ability.
“It’s all going to depend on what the fee is. Daniel likes to play hardball and he is not going to let anybody leave for nothing.
“If they can recoup most of their money it could be possible that they will then go and reinvest.”
Will Tottenham sell Richarlison during the summer transfer window?
When he has been fit and available, Richarlison has been one of Postecoglou’s more reliable forward options this season, but he has never been able to play week in and week out without picking up an injury.
The Lilywhites’ boss cannot afford to build his entire squad around a player who is only going to be able to play once every other week. Because of that, he could well see it as the right time to try and cash in on the Brazilian.
But as Hutton suggests, Levy won’t let the 27-year-old leave for nothing and the Spurs’ chief will be eager to get a good fee for his services if he does decide to listen for offers when the window opens.
It just remains to be seen whether or not any of the interested clubs will be willing to match that fee and even then, the Brazilian may be eager to fight for his place in North London and continue in the Premier League.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs’ stance on a summer switch for Jack Grealish has emerged amid Manchester City exit links
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.