Everton boss David Moyes accidentally dropped huge £40m Tottenham transfer clue

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League rivals Everton in recent weeks but David Moyes may approach that move with caution.

The Brazilian arrived in north London from the Toffees for £60 million in 2022 but has never really taken off at Spurs. The Brazil international has struggled with injuries during his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which could ultimately scupper a return to Everton.

Richarlison is still well loved by his former club and a homecoming would certainly go down well at the new Everton Stadium. LiverpoolWorld claim that the Tottenham Hotspur are ‘expected to allow’ the striker to leave in the summer transfer window with a £40 million fee touted.

Richarlison linked with Everton homecoming

The striker’s form in front of goal helped Everton fight off relegation in the 2021/22 season and Everton are known to be in the market for a goalscorer come the end of the season. Only the bottom three have scored fewer goals than the Toffees this season.

However, Moyes may take a more pragmatic approach and overlook the emotional bond between the club and Richarlison. LiverpoolWorld claim that ‘Everton are not in a position to take such a gamble on a player who has been plagued with fitness problems’. According to Transfermrkt, the 27-year-old has been on the treatment table on 10 separate occasions and missed a total of 58 matches.

Everton have not been helped by injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti and Moyes has admitted that the club must sign more robust first team stars. While he has not outright commented on interest in Richarlison, the manager appeared to accidentally hint that the striker’s profile would not fit what he wants.

David Moyes drops Tottenham Hotspur transfer hint

Speaking ahead of the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, he said: “I think when we came in we've had 10 injuries, which has really worried me. We can't be bringing in players who are not going to be reliable and not going to be available so it's hugely important to the decision-making. Are we getting the value out of the players for the games they play?

“We need people to be available. There may be other reasons for it but at the moment those players need to show they can make themselves robust. For us to be successful, we need players fit and available.”

When leaving Goodison Park in 2022, Richarlison wrote an emotional goodbye to Everton, outlining his love for the club. The striker said: “It's very difficult to say goodbye to a place that has become my home; of fans who welcomed me not just as another player, but as if I were one of them, in the stands; and a club that treated me kindly and helped me develop my sense of community and empathy.

“No words and not all the love I have for this club is enough to thank you. We'll see you along the way. I love you Evertonians.”

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