Richarlison may become “collateral damage” at Tottenham Hotspur during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy. Speaking to GOAL, Murphy suggested that the Brazilian forward could be among the players moved on as Roberto De Zerbi oversees a major squad overhaul at the North London club. Tottenham are expected to experience significant player movement as they aim to recover from two seasons spent dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Tottenham have flirted with relegation battles in recent years. Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to Europa League glory in 2025, but that success was overshadowed by a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League. The following 2025-26 campaign produced a similar outcome, with Spurs again finishing just above the drop zone.

After a turbulent period that saw Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor come and go as head coaches, Tottenham finally managed to secure safety, with Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi fulfilling his initial objective of keeping the club in the top flight.

Now, De Zerbi faces the task of restoring momentum and re-establishing Tottenham’s credibility among the Premier League’s traditional ‘Big Six’. With the club’s recruitment strategy having faltered in recent years, a smart and ambitious transfer approach in 2026 is considered essential to address long-standing weaknesses that have persisted despite heavy spending.

To fund their rebuild, Spurs are expected to raise money through player sales, with several high-profile names likely to depart. Richarlison appears to be one of those who could make way. The Brazilian was bought from Everton in 2022 for £50 million ($67m) but has managed only 32 goals in 133 appearances for Tottenham. Despite scoring 11 crucial Premier League goals last season to help the club avoid relegation, doubts remain about his consistency and suitability as the team’s main striker.

With just 12 months left on his current contract, Tottenham could look to cash in on Richarlison this summer while he still commands a respectable transfer fee. Murphy believes that moving him on might be the right decision. He explained, “I think so. The problem is [Dominic] Solanke has a lot of qualities that De Zerbi would appreciate. De Zerbi likes a high press and an intense style of football. Solanke, when fit, is excellent at that, but his fitness record is a concern. Considering that and his age, I think De Zerbi will look to bring in another striker.”

Murphy continued, “I probably think Richarlison could be collateral damage in that because he hasn’t really won over the fans. He gives his all, but he doesn’t have the technical quality that Tottenham supporters expect from their leading striker. I think it’s inevitable that a new forward will arrive.”

Discussing Tottenham’s broader recruitment plans, Murphy added, “I think De Zerbi will want to bring in at least four new players, maybe more, focusing on strengthening through the spine of the team. They’ve already signed [Marcos] Senesi, who’s an experienced Premier League defender and an excellent passer.”

Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi, set to officially join Spurs as a free agent on 1 July, will bring additional top-flight experience after four seasons with Bournemouth. His arrival comes without any transfer fee, preserving funds for other key signings.

The club’s hierarchy has already identified further transfer targets, with a proven goalscorer expected to be high on De Zerbi’s wishlist. Offloading Richarlison could create both the financial flexibility and squad space required to bring in a new attacking spearhead — one capable of leading Tottenham’s push back up the Premier League table and away from the struggles of recent seasons.