Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has broken his silence over his failed deadline-day move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, revealing that he was extremely close to completing a return to his homeland before the transfer collapsed due to regulatory restrictions.
The 29-year-old addressed the situation in a video shared on his official Instagram account, explaining that negotiations had progressed significantly before an issue involving Tottenham’s permitted number of international loans brought the deal to an abrupt end.
As reported by Hotspur Lane on X, Richarlison explained that Spurs had already reached the maximum number of international loans permitted under FIFA regulations.
“Unfortunately Tottenham exceeded the allowed limit for loans, and that’s why the deal didn’t go through.”
The restriction meant Tottenham could not complete the proposed loan agreement, leaving the two clubs with the option of negotiating a permanent transfer instead.
However, with the registration deadline rapidly approaching, there was not enough time to complete a permanent move, resulting in Richarlison remaining in North London.
Richarlison Reveals His Love for Vasco
Richarlison’s message also highlighted his strong emotional attachment to Vasco da Gama.
The Brazilian described the Rio de Janeiro club as “the club of my heart”, making it clear that returning to Brazil was more than simply a football decision for him.
His comments have provided supporters with a personal insight into a transfer saga that became one of the biggest talking points surrounding Tottenham’s squad on deadline day.
Richarlison’s version of events also adds another dimension to comments previously made by Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Before the team’s match, De Zerbi explained that Richarlison’s eventual omission from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad was not a decision the coaching staff had taken casually.
The Italian manager suggested that the situation was the consequence of a series of decisions made over a 45-day period.
Tottenham’s hierarchy reportedly continued working on a permanent transfer after the loan route became impossible. However, unresolved personal terms prevented the move from being completed before the deadline.
Richarlison Now Faces Uncertain Future
With the Brazilian transfer window now closed, Richarlison remains contracted to Tottenham and continues to be based at Hotspur Way.
However, his omission from Spurs’ registered 25-man Premier League squad means he cannot feature in domestic league matches until the registration window reopens in January.
The situation leaves Tottenham with one fewer senior attacking option as De Zerbi attempts to find a solution to the team’s struggles in front of goal.
Spurs have endured a difficult spell in front of goal, with the club looking to end a 270-minute Premier League scoring drought.
De Zerbi’s attacking options have also been affected by injuries and fitness concerns elsewhere in the squad.
Mykhailo Mudryk is dealing with a non-contact ankle problem, while Dejan Kulusevski has suffered another setback during training.
As a result, Tottenham are expected to rely heavily on the likes of Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Mathys Tel and Sávio to provide the attacking threat.
For Richarlison, however, the immediate future appears uncertain. His dream of returning to the club he calls “the club of my heart” has been put on hold, while his exclusion from Tottenham’s Premier League squad means he faces several difficult months before he can potentially return to competitive domestic action.