Roberto de Zerbi says he is unsure whether Richarlison will remain at Tottenham after revealing the Brazil forward has sent mixed messages over his future. Richarlison, whose contract expires next summer, scored the winning goal in stoppage time as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Sydney, but his long-term future remains uncertain.Speaking after the match, De Zerbi admitted he does not yet know whether the 29-year-old will stay in north London.I dont know because I like him as a player and as a guy, the Tottenham head coach said. Hes unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.Asked if Richarlison wants to leave the club, De Zerbi added: I dont know. I didnt understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave.We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. Hes a lovely guy.De Zerbi a fan of BrazilianDespite the uncertainty, De Zerbi underlined Richarlisons importance to his squad following a difficult campaign in which Spurs narrowly avoided relegation.The Italian believes the strikers goalscoring record makes him difficult to replace after he scored 12 times last season.For me, hes still an important player because its not easy to find another striker like Richarlison, De Zerbi said.Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we dont know.He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score.All of us love him, the team-mates, the club and the staff because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we cant say anything about him on the pitch.Richarlisons future comes amid another busy summer for Tottenham following a club-record �237m spending spree.Spurs are still expected to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes, with Manchester Citys Savinho and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo among the players linked with moves to north London. Topics Richarlison Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham: Report, result and goals as Tonali and Richarlison score in Premier League taster Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 Chelsea vs Tottenham: Line-ups confirmed for pre-season clash in Sydney Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 Chelsea vs Tottenham: Line-ups, stats and preview as Premier League rivals meet in Sydney Mitch Fretton 1st August, 2026 Tonali reveals it took 10 minutes for him to decide on Tottenham move Mitch Fretton 30th July, 2026 De Zerbi promises another transfer bomba at Tottenham but identity of potential signing remains a mystery Jon Fisher 30th July, 2026 I would like him to stay but De Zerbi wont guarantee Tottenham midfielder Bergvall a starting place Tom Rostance 29th July, 2026
