Tottenham Face Major January Decisions Over Richarlison and Mathys Tel
Tottenham Hotspur could face a crucial January transfer window, with the futures of Richarlison and Mathys Tel potentially playing a major role in the club’s plans to strengthen its attack.
Spurs are reportedly considering player departures before making another sizeable investment in a new striker. The club is looking to manage its finances after spending heavily during the summer.
Richarlison Situation Remains Uncertain
Richarlison’s future continues to be one of Tottenham’s biggest transfer issues.
The Brazilian remained at Spurs after the club failed to agree a suitable deal during the summer, despite reported interest from Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama.
The situation has reportedly become more complicated following manager Roberto De Zerbi’s stance on the player. De Zerbi is said to have indicated that Richarlison is not part of his long-term plans, even after the forward returns to full fitness.
According to reports from Alasdair Gold, UAE side Shabab Al Ahli have made enquiries about the financial requirements involved in signing Richarlison. However, no official bid has reportedly been made, while those close to the player are said to be uncertain about whether he would be willing to move to the UAE.
Time could also be a major factor, with the UAE transfer window reportedly nearing its deadline.
Richarlison still has a contract with Tottenham until 2027, meaning Spurs may have limited opportunities to secure a permanent transfer and recoup some of their investment.
Mathys Tel Could Also Leave
Richarlison may not be the only Tottenham forward whose future is under discussion.
Mathys Tel could also attract attention during the January window.
Football FanCast has reported that De Zerbi could be willing to allow Tel to leave in January, although his circumstances are different from Richarlison’s.
Tottenham are reportedly confident that the 21-year-old could command a significant transfer fee, particularly because his current contract runs until 2031.
Tel joined Tottenham after developing at Rennes and later moving to Bayern Munich. He arrived in North London with a reputation as one of Europe’s promising young attackers.
However, his early relationship with De Zerbi has reportedly been difficult.
The young forward was left out of Tottenham’s squad for the defeat against Aston Villa after an apparent disagreement with the manager during the draw with Everton.
De Zerbi later described the omission as a tactical decision and said he had already spoken to Tel about the situation.
His future could therefore depend on how their relationship develops during the coming weeks.
Selling Tel could provide Tottenham with considerable funds for another striker, but the club would also have to consider the risk of allowing a talented young player with significant potential to leave.
Spurs Want More From Their Attack
Tottenham’s need for another striker has become more noticeable because of their current goalscoring situation.
Dominic Solanke is still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the season, potentially increasing the pressure on Spurs to add another attacking option.
One player repeatedly associated with Tottenham is Ivan Toney.
The former Brentford striker became one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards before moving to Saudi Arabia. His physical presence, ability to hold up the ball and finishing could give Tottenham a different option in attack.
His previous experience in English football could also make his adjustment easier compared with a striker arriving from another European league.
However, any potential transfer would depend on his situation in Saudi Arabia and whether Tottenham are prepared to make another substantial financial commitment.
Victor Osimhen Would Be a Major Addition
Another far more ambitious possibility is Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker has remained a highly sought-after forward since his time at Napoli and has previously been linked with clubs in the Premier League.
Osimhen would give Tottenham a different dimension in attack.
His pace, strength, aerial ability and finishing could provide Spurs with a stronger presence inside the penalty area. His movement could also create problems for defenders and open spaces for his teammates.
The biggest obstacle would likely be the financial cost.
Signing Osimhen would require a significant investment, making the deal difficult unless Tottenham generate substantial funds through player sales.
That could put even more attention on the futures of Richarlison and Tel.
January Could Be Crucial for Spurs
Tottenham could therefore enter January with several important decisions to make.
The club must determine which players remain part of De Zerbi’s plans while also creating enough room within the squad and budget for another striker.
Richarlison’s situation is complicated by his existing contract, while reported interest from overseas has yet to turn into a concrete offer.
Tel presents a different dilemma. At just 21 and contracted until 2031, he remains a player with considerable long-term potential and could attract significant interest if Tottenham decide to sell.
However, Spurs would also need to carefully consider whether allowing him to leave at this stage would be premature.
With Solanke still searching for his first Premier League goal of the campaign and Tottenham reportedly looking for a proven goalscorer, the January transfer window could become an important period for the club.
If Spurs want to make room for a major attacking signing, Richarlison and Mathys Tel could become key pieces in their transfer plans.
For now, there is no confirmed major deal involving either player. But with January approaching, Tottenham’s decisions regarding their attacking options could have a major influence on the next stage of De Zerbi’s project.
Could Tottenham’s January striker plans depend on finding buyers for Richarlison and Mathys Tel?
