Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have asked to leave Tottenham, manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed after the club’s 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.
None of the three players was included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture, with De Zerbi confirming that their absences were linked to their futures at the club.
“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave,” the Tottenham manager said.
“Danso came to me two days ago and he said wants to leave and Pape Sarr the same, but he suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.”
De Zerbi added that any departure would depend on the players securing an acceptable deal for the club.
“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,” he said.
The comments come after Tottenham invested more than £300 million during the summer in an attempt to improve on consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes. Spurs have nevertheless lost their opening two matches against Brentford and Newcastle without scoring, leaving them bottom of the table.
Richarlison was Tottenham’s leading scorer last season with 11 goals and played a prominent role as the club avoided relegation on the final day. De Zerbi had previously expressed uncertainty over the Brazil international’s future, saying it would be difficult to replace him with a similar striker.
His omission against Newcastle came shortly after Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush joined Tottenham on a season-long loan, with the agreement including an obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer. Marmoush made his debut in place of Richarlison as Newcastle secured victory through second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
Danso’s prospects have also been affected by Tottenham’s defensive recruitment. Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke have arrived to compete for places, while Micky van de Ven has been handed the captaincy and signed a new contract. Sunderland previously made an offer to take the Austria international on loan, but it was rejected.
Sarr, meanwhile, has attracted interest from several clubs after the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali strengthened Tottenham’s midfield. The Senegal international has been linked with Premier League sides and Besiktas, while Juventus are understood to be confident of agreeing a loan deal containing a conditional obligation to buy.
