Richarlison Eyes Saudi Transfer After Spurs Exclusion

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison is considering a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League after being omitted from the club’s Premier League squad. The Brazilian international had requested a transfer away from London, but a proposed move to Turkish club Trabzonspor fell through before the deadline, leaving the player searching for alternatives in leagues where registration remains open.

Richarlison and European Exit Options

According to a report from the London Evening Standard, Richarlison could turn to Saudi Arabia to secure playing time following his exclusion from Tottenham’s squad. In addition to Saudi Arabian clubs, teams in Portugal, Brazil, and Mexico retain the ability to register new players. Tottenham may also consider terminating the forward’s contract if no transfer agreement can be finalized with an interested club.

In a similar situation involving Saudi clubs, German reporter Christian Falk reports that Bayern Munich are actively negotiating with several Saudi Pro League sides regarding 25-year-old right-back Sacha Boey. A deadline-day transfer that would have sent Boey to Everton collapsed, prompting Bayern to seek an alternative exit. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund indicated that the Frenchman will be brought back into the main squad if a deal with a Saudi club is not reached.

English Premier League Transfer Target Activity

Activity regarding potential Premier League transfers continues to develop ahead of the January window. Football Insider reports that Liverpool maintain interest in Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr after failing to secure his signature before the recent transfer deadline. While Palace blocked the move late in the window, Liverpool could make another attempt in January, though their strategy may depend on the future of Cody Gakpo following a failed transfer to Manchester City.

Arsenal previously inquired about Brentford winger Kevin Schade during the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Brentford declined to enter negotiations, with reports indicating the club would not accept an offer exceeding the £70 million fee received for Bryan Mbeumo. Bayern Munich are also monitoring the 24-year-old German international.

Elsewhere in England, Manchester United are continuing talks to sign 18-year-old Leicester City midfielder Louis Page after a deadline-day deal narrowly failed, according to the Manchester Evening News. Football Insider reports that Manchester United are also monitoring Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall as a prospective target for next summer, though TeamTalk reports Newcastle have no intention of allowing midfielder Joelinton to depart in January despite interest from Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

Updates on Veteran Players and European Target List

In France, L’Équipe reports that Lyon attempted to sign 38-year-old striker Karim Benzema during the summer window. Benzema was reportedly willing to return to his former club without receiving a salary, but existing promotional commitments as an ambassador for the Saudi Pro League through 2030 blocked the move. Having departed Al Hilal, the former France international is currently a free agent, with retirement reported as an increasingly likely option.

In other European transfer developments, AC Milan are keeping track of Sporting defender Gonçalo Inácio for a potential January approach, according to Tuttomercato. Lens are planning to reject future bids for defender Matthieu Udol amid interest from Aston Villa and Sunderland, reports Footmercato, while Saudi side Al Ittihad have lodged a new transfer proposal for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa.

Background

European football transfer windows typically close in early September, forcing clubs to look toward mid-season trading windows or international leagues with extended deadlines to resolve squad imbalances. The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a primary destination for players seeking exits outside the standard European transfer periods, supported by substantial financial resources and later registration deadlines.

For players excluded from official domestic squad lists, remaining with a parent club without competitive match action often leads to contract terminations by mutual consent or temporary loans to secondary international markets.