Richarlison could use De Zerbi comments in legal attempt to leave Tottenham

Richarlison’s attempts to leave Tottenham could take a legal turn, with specialists suggesting Roberto De Zerbi’s public comments about the striker may potentially support a case for terminating his contract.

The Brazilian remains outside Tottenham’s plans after failing to secure a summer move. His contract runs until June 2027, leaving both sides with a complicated situation until at least the January transfer window.

Legal experts speaking to O Estado de S. Paulo have outlined three potential routes for Richarlison, although they make clear that reaching an agreement with Tottenham remains considerably safer than challenging the club through FIFA.

Sports lawyer Pedro Lopes believes a negotiated contract termination is currently the most realistic solution.

“The first, and most likely, is an agreement with Tottenham to terminate the contract,” Lopes explained.

The second option would simply be waiting until January and pursuing a permanent transfer. Richarlison would also become eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club from January ahead of leaving Spurs for free next summer.

The most complicated route would involve attempting unilateral termination for just cause.

For that to succeed, Richarlison would need to establish that Tottenham had behaved abusively in attempting to force him out. Lopes warned that if FIFA rejected such an argument, the striker could become liable for compensation.

O Estado de S. Paulo reports that De Zerbi has publicly indicated he does not intend to use Richarlison even when the striker is available.

Lawyer Bernardo Marchesini believes such statements could potentially form part of a case arguing that Tottenham are preventing Richarlison from properly exercising his profession.

“A complex but possible situation would be to use statements such as those made by De Zerbi to seek a termination before FIFA on the grounds of fault by the club,” Marchesini said.

That does not mean Richarlison would necessarily win such a case. Marchesini also highlighted the financial consequences should FIFA reject his argument.

A negotiated separation therefore remains the least risky option.

Richarlison previously explored an exit during talks with Vasco da Gama, but rejected their permanent proposal because he did not want to return to Brazil permanently. With that route closed, January or an agreement with Tottenham now appear the more straightforward possibilities.

The safest solution remains an agreement between Tottenham and Richarlison over his departure.

If that cannot be reached, the January transfer window provides another opportunity to find a permanent move, while pursuing contract termination through FIFA would represent the considerably riskier alternative.