Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all asked to leave Tottenham, though the manager stopped short of saying any of the three will actually go. The trio were missing from the matchday squad for Saturday’s 0-2 home defeat by Newcastle, and De Zerbi used his post-match press conference to explain why.
De Zerbi said Richarlison had said too many times that he wants to leave, while Danso approached him two days earlier with the same request. Sarr, De Zerbi added, wants the same thing but is nursing a small injury and is almost ready to train again.
The condition attached
De Zerbi was clear that any departure comes with a financial condition, framing it as the club’s call rather than the players’.
He said he has good relationships with the players, but added that those who want to leave must bring an economic solution to the club before they can go and Tottenham can find other players.
That does not guarantee an exit for any of the three. It sets out the condition De Zerbi said would need to be met for a departure to happen.
Reading the situation
Danso’s request was the unexpected development. A loan request from Sunderland had reportedly been rejected by Spurs shortly before De Zerbi’s comments, with no prior indication that the defender wanted to leave.
Sarr has also been linked with a move away, while Richarlison’s future has been the subject of continued uncertainty. De Zerbi’s comments made clear that all three players had expressed a desire to depart.
De Zerbi also urged patience after the defeat, saying Tottenham are building a new team and need to improve their connection, defensive organisation and mentality.
What happens next
Tottenham have a week to regroup before travelling to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 5. De Zerbi’s comments leave open the possibility of departures, but he made clear that none is guaranteed.
