Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has laid bare the growing unrest within his squad, confirming that Richarlison, Kevin Danso, and Pape Matar Sarr have all formally requested a move away from the club.
The revelation came during De Zerbi's post-match press conference following Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday — a contest from which all three men were surprisingly omitted.
Each player's involvement this campaign has been minimal: Richarlison and Danso have appeared in just one of three possible matches, while Sarr has not featured at all.
"Richarlison, he's said too many times he wants to leave," De Zerbi stated bluntly when pressed on the situation. "Danso came to me two days ago, and he said he wants to leave." On Sarr, the Spurs head coach added: "The other player, Sarr, is the same but he's suffered a small injury. But, he's almost ready to train."
When asked whether the trio could yet reverse their fate and re-enter his plans, De Zerbi struck a notably empathetic tone. "I love these players, and they are great guys," he explained. "I have very good relationships." However, he made clear that any departure hinges on financial terms. "If they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we'll find other players," he said.
With the transfer window set to slam shut on Tuesday, the three players still have a narrow window to secure moves — though circumstances may already be shifting around them.
Spurs have already strengthened their attacking ranks with the signing of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, a deal structured as an initial season-long loan carrying a £60million obligation. Marmoush's arrival could well enhance Richarlison's chances of departure, particularly given the forward is entering the final months of his contract.
Richarlison's tenure at Tottenham has failed to live up to expectations since his £60million switch from Everton in 2022. He has netted 32 goals in 134 appearances and was anonymous again on Saturday, registering zero shots on target across 68 minutes after starting the Brentford defeat.
Meanwhile, Danso faces stiff competition for a central-defence spot. New signings Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have arrived this summer, and Micky van de Ven — who captained the side against Newcastle — appears firmly established as the first choice, pushing Danso further down the pecking order. Sunderland have expressed interest in the defender, but a loan bid was reportedly turned away.
For Sarr, the speculation has been relentless. Galatasaray, Aston Villa, and Juventus have all been linked with the midfielder, yet AS Monaco are understood to be leading the charge as deadline day approaches.