Tottenham and Everton Agree Swap Deal: Iliman Ndiaye to Spurs, Richarlison Returns to Everton
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have reached agreements in principle for two significant transfers: Iliman Ndiaye is set to join Spurs, while Richarlison prepares for an emotional return to Merseyside. These moves come after a rocky start to the Premier League season for Tottenham.
Separate Deals for Ndiaye and Richarlison
According to reports from The Athletic, Tottenham and Everton are finalizing deals that will see Ndiaye move north and Richarlison head back to his former club. Although these transfers are occurring simultaneously, they are separate transactions, each pending medical examinations and personal terms agreement.
Ndiaye's arrival at Spurs follows his decision to reject multiple contract extension offers from Everton last season. This signing helps Tottenham recover from missing out on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who chose to join Manchester City instead.
De Zerbi Comments on Richarlison’s Transfer Request
Tottenham's recent days have been turbulent. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso, and Pape Matar Sarr formally asked to leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The trio was excluded from the squad during the 2-0 home loss to Newcastle United.
"Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave," De Zerbi told reporters. "Danso came to me two days ago and said he wants to leave. Pape Sarr the same, but he had a minor injury; he's almost ready to train."
Despite the disruption, De Zerbi expressed no hard feelings toward the players, emphasizing good relationships but stressing that any departures must include financial solutions for the club.
Richarlison’s Return to Everton and Spurs’ Struggles
Richarlison leaves Tottenham after scoring 32 goals in 134 appearances, following his £60 million move in 2022. He returns to Everton, where he had become a fan favorite by netting 53 goals in 152 games.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s summer rebuild, costing around £350 million, is faltering. Big-name signings like Sandro Tonali (£100m) and forwards Omar Marmoush and Savinho have not yet made a strong impact. The team narrowly avoided relegation last season and currently sits at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The latest defeats include a 3-0 loss at Brentford and a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United, marking the first time since the 1974-75 season that Tottenham have lost their first two league games without scoring.
Deadline Day Rush and Immediate Challenges
Both clubs face a hectic final day to complete medicals and paperwork for Ndiaye and Richarlison before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Tottenham also need to find replacements if Danso and Sarr leave.
De Zerbi needs a quick turnaround from his struggling squad, with integrating Ndiaye swiftly being crucial for Spurs as they attempt to halt their poor form and open their Premier League scoring account.
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