Report: Everton in talks over move to re-sign former star

Report: Everton in talks over move to re-sign former starEverton Transfer News: Richarlison Return Talk Grows as Tottenham Weigh Summer Exit

Everton are doing what sensible clubs should do in this market, checking whether a deal is actually there before charging into fantasy. According to TeamTalk, the Toffees have been in regular contact with Tottenham over a possible move for Richarlison, and the key detail is the simplest one, he is “very keen on a return to his former club.”

That matters. Transfers involving players in their late twenties, with injury history and significant wages, are rarely straightforward. Emotion can help, but it never closes a deal on its own. Everton know that, which is why the report points to steady dialogue rather than reckless bidding.

Richarlison left Goodison Park in a £60 million move in 2022. Since then, he has had decent numbers without ever fully settling into the sort of role that makes him indispensable. Last season, he scored 11 Premier League goals in 32 appearances, respectable output, but not enough to prevent Tottenham from reassessing.

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Richarlison Transfer Hinges on Everton Outgoings

The article makes it clear that Roberto De Zerbi, now in charge at Spurs, is “still prepared to approve his sale.” More specifically, “he is free to find a new club.” That is not a club forcing a player out. It is a manager making a practical decision.

Everton’s side of the equation is just as practical. “Everton would be unlikely to bring in another new striker while Thierno Barry and Beto stay at the club.” Barry, at 23, remains a development play. Beto is the more obvious variable, especially with “the final 12 months of his contract” now ticking down. If Everton can move him on, the path to Richarlison becomes clearer.

This is the kind of deal that only works if the squad logic lines up. Richarlison can play through the middle or off the left, which gives David Moyes flexibility. Everton need goals, experience and edge. He offers all three, assuming availability holds up.

Tottenham Transfer Plans Could Open Door

There is also a wider market context. Tottenham are said to be closing in on Cody Gakpo, described here as “a natural replacement for Richarlison.” If that move progresses, Spurs would have even less reason to keep a player they are open to selling.

One useful clarification from the report is that “some reports have claimed that Everton have already seen a bid rejected for Richarlison – that is not the case from our understanding.” In other words, interest is real, noise is everywhere, and an actual formal move may still be some distance away.

Everton are also tracking Liam Delap, while the piece notes that a Richarlison return “could have ramifications” for any move involving Jack Grealish. That sounds about right. Everton are not shopping without limits. They may have to choose between nostalgia and fit, between one former favourite and another.

Our View

From an Everton supporter’s point of view, this is exactly the sort of rumour that grabs you because it makes emotional sense and football sense. Richarlison understood the club, the supporters and the pressure. He never looked frightened by responsibility, and frankly Everton have lacked enough of that for years.

If he really is “very keen on a return to his former club,” then that should count for something. Too many signings arrive seeing Everton as a stepping stone, a wage packet or a recovery project. Richarlison would be coming back with unfinished business. Fans would buy into that immediately.

There are obvious concerns. He is 29, he has had injuries, and Everton cannot afford expensive mistakes. Supporters have seen enough of deals driven by sentiment. If the wages are too high or the fee creeps up, the club has to be cold-blooded.

That said, if Beto leaves and the numbers are reasonable, this feels like a gamble worth taking. Richarlison brings goals, nastiness, energy and connection with the crowd. Goodison always responded to players who looked like they cared, and he did more than that, he looked like the place mattered to him. For a club trying to build a tougher, more reliable side under David Moyes, that is not a small detail. If Everton can make this work without compromising the rest of the squad build, plenty of supporters would welcome him back in a heartbeat.