Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have reportedly agreed separate deals for Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison, with both players set to move in opposite directions. The agreements come after Cody Gakpo snubbed Spurs in favour of Manchester City, who are reportedly in talks with Liverpool over signing the Netherlands international.
According to The Athletic, unnamed sources at both clubs insist the deals for Ndiaye and Richarlison are entirely unrelated. Both players still need to agree personal terms with their new clubs and pass medical examinations.
Richarlison's Everton return
Richarlison, who joined Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022 for £50m plus £10m in potential add-ons, has asked to leave multiple times, according to Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Brazilian forward was absent from the squad for Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
De Zerbi acknowledged in his post-match press conference: "He said too many times that he wants to leave." The 26-year-old's current contract at Spurs, a five-year deal, is due to run out at the end of this campaign.
Ndiaye's Spurs move
Ndiaye, 26, played the full 90 minutes for Everton in their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at Dean Court on Saturday and has featured in all three of their competitive games this season. The forward set up Thierno Barry for their second goal against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.
Ndiaye remains contracted until the summer of 2029, but has not signed a new deal since joining from Sheffield United two years ago. He is said to have turned down several renewal offers during the last season.
De Zerbi on squad departures
De Zerbi was also quizzed on the prospects of returns for Richarlison, Kevin Danso, and Pape Matar Sarr, after acknowledging that all three had requested a departure. He said: "I love these players, they are great guys, I have very good relationships, but if they want to leave, they have to bring the solution, the economic solution, to the club, and they can go, and we find other players."
Asked about forthcoming transfer business, the Spurs head coach declined to comment, saying: "No, we speak about the game today, it's not the right moment and the right day, otherwise it's like an excuse, no, I don't want excuses."
