Richarlison to Tottenham: Have Spurs found their Harry Kane back-up?
Cameron Smith
- 24 Jun 2022 10:42 BST
- 4 min read
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Everton forward Richarlison as the answer to their troubles in finding a back-up to Harry Kane.
Due to Kane's immense goal-scoring record and overall ability, the North London club have repeatedly been met with struggles when attempting to attract the correct calibre of player to fit the role as a rotator to England's captain.
Fernando Llorente and the on-loan Carlos Vinicius have both come and gone in recent years, with young academy star Dane Scarlett the closest thing to a back-up during last season.
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However, according to GOAL, Antonio Conte's side are preparing an opening bid for Brazilian forward Richarlison from fellow Premier League side Everton and are ready to submit an offer.
The report also details that the player wants to test himself at the highest level and after Tottenham clinched fourth place in the dying embers of the 2021/22 season from rivals Arsenal, they can offer Champions League football to the forward.
GOAL have also reported that the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have previously shown interest, but haven't submitted an official proposal to the player. As for Tottenham, they are preparing to begin talks with Richarlison's representatives.
Richarlison to offer depth to Tottenham's attack?
Richarlison, who has over 30 caps for the Brazil national team, has played as both a left-sided winger and a central striker during his time at Goodison Park after arriving from Watford, and could be used across the forward line by Conte.
Recently though, he's almost solely been utilised through the middle, both with and without Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a partner, and when on international duty. This suggests Spurs would be signing a player to offer options in multiple positions, but mainly through the middle.
With rumours of Steven Bergwijn leaving the club, it seems as though Tottenham are keen to add another body in the forward department, especially someone who is capable of replacing Kane if injury befalls him again.
Lautaro Martinez, Gianluca Scamacca and Gabriel Jesus have all been linked to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, but it seems as though Richarlison has taken precedence in their search for a Kane back-up.
The Qatar World Cup later in 2022 has ensured there's an even more heavily congested Premier League schedule for the upcoming season, meaning Conte will need to lean on squad depth more often than ever before. The Lilywhites' interest in Richarlison suggests they also believe that resting Kane on occasion will be crucial as they look to cement their place in the Champions League.
Richarlison netted 10 goals and five assists in 30 Premier League appearances last season, as his run of form as the season came to a close played a huge role in ensuring Everton's survival in the division.
The Brazilian's contract at Goodison Park doesn't expire until 2024, and coupled with the price the Toffees paid Watford to sign him back in 2018, which could rise to nearly €60 million, it may take a lot to prise him away from Frank Lampard's side.
However, it seems apparent that Tottenham are willing to pursue a move for the player as they're set to compete on multiple fronts next season, including the highest calibre of club competition in the world.
