Recent reports indicate that Orlando City made a strong but ultimately unsuccessful bid to sign Richarlison during the summer 2025 transfer window. Below is a summary of the key details based on the latest available information.
Background on the Interest
Player Profile:
Richarlison (full name: Richarlison de Andrade), 28, is a versatile forward currently under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until December 2027. He joined Spurs from Everton in 2022 for £60 million ($80.4 million) and has scored 3 goals and 1 assist in 13 appearances this season under manager Thomas Frank.
Orlando City’s Proposal:
The MLS club approached Tottenham with an ambitious offer, aiming to position Richarlison as the “face of the team” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada). The deal included a long-term contract and a “career project” to elevate the team’s profile in the Eastern Conference, positioning them as rivals to Inter Miami.
Why Orlando?:
Richarlison has historical ties to the Orlando area—he was born in Nova Venécia, Brazil, but spent time in Florida as a youth, training with local academies before breaking through in Brazil. Orlando City sees him as a marquee signing to boost attendance and competitiveness in the MLS, which is ramping up investments for the World Cup.
Why the Deal Fell Through
Primary Hurdle:
Tottenham’s asking price of €40 million (approximately $46.4 million or R$248 million) was deemed too high for Orlando City’s budget under MLS salary and acquisition rules (e.g., Designated Player slots and General Allocation Money limits).
Player’s Stance:
Richarlison expressed a desire to stay at Tottenham for at least one more season to maintain his spot in the Brazil national team. He previously rejected offers from Saudi Pro League clubs in August 2025 for similar reasons.
Timeline:
The interest surfaced in the European summer window (ending August 2025), with no formal progress reported into the January 2026 window.
Broader Context:
Brazilian clubs like Fluminense and Palmeiras inquired about Richarlison in late 2024, but no offers materialised. Saudi and Italian clubs scouted him earlier in 2025.
Richarlison’s Market Value:
Currently estimated at €20 million by Transfermarkt, down from his peak due to inconsistent form at Spurs.
Orlando City’s Recent Activity:
The club has been active in transfers, including acquiring $125,000 in General Allocation Money for defender Rafael Santos in August 2025. No major incoming forwards have been announced since.
