Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to omit Richarlison from their official Premier League squad list is beginning to look like a costly mistake.
After a chaotic summer transfer window, manager Roberto De Zerbi made it clear that the ‘exceptional’ 29-year-old was not part of his plans.
While a proposed return to Everton collapsed, Spurs opted to exclude Richarlison from their 2026-27 squad entirely.
As Tottenham struggle through a goalless start to their Premier League campaign, leaving their most proven penalty-box finisher frozen out looks increasingly shortsighted.
Tottenham have now played three full Premier League matches without scoring a single goal. The attacking unit – bolstered by summer arrivals such as Savinho and Omar Marmoush – has consistently lacked a cutting edge.
While De Zerbi’s system brings long spells of possession, Spurs’ final-third play has lacked the directness needed to turn dominance into goals.
The recent 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest highlighted this issue, as Spurs failed to convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances.
Excluding Richarlison overlooks the crucial role he played during a turbulent 2025-26 season. The Brazilian finished as the club’s top Premier League scorer with 11 goals, often providing decisive finishes. His pressing, physicality, and instincts for second balls offered a valuable alternative when Tottenham’s passing game faltered.
By omitting Richarlison from the squad, Spurs have also deprived De Zerbi of a genuine Plan B from the bench.
Regardless of off-field transfer issues or social media comments, keeping a £60 million striker out of the squad during a goal drought is a self-inflicted handicap.
Unless Spurs quickly rediscover their scoring touch, leaving Richarlison out will only come under greater scrutiny.