De Zerbi says Richarlison, Danso and Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr want to leave in 2026

Tottenham’s season in turmoil

Since Roberto De Zerbi took over in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to find a consistent identity on the pitch. A patchwork of signings, injuries and a mid‑table finish in the 2025‑26 Premier League have left the club scrambling to balance ambition with a tightening wage bill. The North London side entered the transfer window with a clear need to trim salaries while still remaining competitive, a dilemma that has become common among top‑flight clubs facing post‑pandemic financial pressures.

The Spurs board, under chairman Daniel Levy, has signalled a willingness to sell players who are not integral to De Zerbi’s tactical plans. This stance has intensified after the club’s early‑season exit from the Europa League, prompting both fans and pundits to question whether the squad overhaul is being driven by sporting necessity or fiscal prudence.

Why three players are pushing to quit

Richarlison, the Brazilian forward who arrived from Everton for £30 million, has been plagued by recurring hamstring problems and a lack of regular minutes. Sources close to the player say he feels his development has stalled and that a move back to the Bundesliga, where he previously thrived, could revive his international prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kevin Danso, a 24‑year‑old centre‑back of Ghanaian descent, signed from FC Stuttgart on a five‑year deal but has struggled to cement a starting berth. In an interview with Austrian outlet Der Standard, he hinted that a loan to a club offering European competition would be preferable to remaining on the bench at Tottenham.

Financial and sporting stakes for Spurs

If the trio depart, Tottenham could free up roughly £70 million in wages, a sum that would ease the club’s compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and give De Zerbi room to invest in younger, high‑potential talent. However, the market for a forward of Richarlison’s profile is currently soft, meaning the club may have to accept a reduced transfer fee, which could spark debate among shareholders about asset management.

From a sporting perspective, losing a versatile attacker and a defensive option could force De Zerbi to reshuffle his back‑line and rely more heavily on academy graduates like Japhet Tanganga. The coach’s tactical blueprint—high‑pressing, quick transitions—requires depth, and the timing of any exits will be crucial as the club prepares for a congested schedule that includes the FA Cup and a possible European return.

The African angle: Sarr’s potential exit

Pape Matar Sarr, the 22‑year‑old Senegalese midfielder, is the only African‑born player among the three. Since his breakout season with Olympique Lyon, Sarr has been hailed as a future star for both Tottenham and the Senegal national team. His request to leave, reported by African sports daily KickOff, has resonated deeply with fans across the continent, who view his progress as a barometer for the visibility of West African talent in Europe.

Should Sarr move, the ripple effects could be significant for the African football ecosystem. A high‑profile transfer to a club in France, Italy or the Middle East would likely trigger a fresh wave of scouting interest in Senegal’s domestic league, boosting market values for local players. Moreover, the diaspora community in the UK—particularly in London’s vibrant Senegalese neighborhoods—has been vocal about wanting a homegrown hero to anchor the team, making his potential departure a cultural loss as well as a sporting one.

What could happen next and why it matters

Analysts predict three plausible scenarios. First, Tottenham could negotiate immediate sales, with Richarlison heading back to Brazil’s Serie A, Danso returning to the Austrian Bundesliga on loan, and Sarr moving to a club that offers regular Champions League football. Second, the club might retain the players on reduced wages, betting on their eventual resurgence. Third, a hybrid approach could see Sarr stay while the others leave, preserving the African link that many supporters cherish.

Regardless of the outcome, the situation underscores a broader trend: Premier League clubs are increasingly forced to reconcile lofty sporting ambitions with stringent financial realities. For African players, it highlights the delicate balance between personal career goals and the responsibility of representing a continent on the world stage. How Tottenham navigates these requests will likely shape transfer strategies for other clubs eyeing African talent in the coming years.

Quick Answers

Why did Richarlison want to leave Tottenham?
He has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, and a move could boost his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup.

What impact could Pape Matar Sarr’s exit have on African football?
A high‑profile transfer would increase scouting attention on Senegal, raise market values for local players, and affect diaspora fans who see him as a cultural ambassador.

How much money could Tottenham save if the three players depart?
The club could free up roughly £70 million in wages, helping it meet Financial Fair Play rules and fund new signings.

Source: www.espn.com