Spurs' Richarlison posts crying emoji after being left out of Liverpool tie
September 15, 2026 09:12
Tottenham forward Richarlison publicly reacted after being omitted from the squad for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool, posting a screenshot of the omission with the caption "Why?" plus a tearful emoji. The exclusion follows a breakdown of a proposed move back to Brazil and growing uncertainty over his place at Spurs.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi confirmed he had tried to persuade Richarlison to remain at the club and offered a contract extension, and indicated the current dispute is between the player and the club rather than a matter of his own conduct.
KEY CONTEXT
- Sources told the BBC that a transfer to Vasco da Gama had been discussed and a fee was agreed, but personal terms were not finalised before the Brazilian window closed. An earlier deadline-day move to Everton also collapsed because Richarlison did not accept personal terms.
- He was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad amid a disagreement over the final nine months of his contract; reports say he is seeking to be released, although Spurs retain the option to add an extra 12 months to his deal.
- Richarlison was Tottenham’s top scorer last season with 12 goals. He joined Spurs from Everton in 2022 for a reported £60m on a five-year contract and has won 54 caps for Brazil. He has scored four goals in seven appearances against Liverpool for Spurs.
WHY IT MATTERS
Richarlison’s absence removes a player who led the club’s scoring last season at a time when Tottenham have failed to score in their opening four Premier League matches — a first in the club’s history — limiting attacking options for De Zerbi. The unresolved contract and transfer issues also create selection and squad-management complications while the manager seeks a first league win of the campaign.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Spurs will activate the 12-month extension clause or negotiate a release.
- Any renewed transfer interest or personal-term agreement that might reopen moves to Vasco, Everton or other clubs (as reported by sources).
- Team selection for upcoming matches while the club works through the dispute and attempts to address its early-season goal drought.
KEY FACTS
- Richarlison posted "Why?" with a tearful emoji after being left out of the Carabao Cup squad for the Liverpool match.
- A proposed Vasco da Gama transfer reportedly stalled because personal terms were not agreed before the Brazilian window closed.
- A deadline-day move to Everton also collapsed over personal terms.
- He was omitted from Tottenham’s Premier League squad amid a dispute over the final nine months of his contract; Spurs can trigger a 12-month extension.
- Richarlison scored 12 goals last season for Spurs; he joined the club from Everton in 2022 for £60m on a five-year deal and has 54 Brazil caps.
- Tottenham have not scored in their first four league matches.