Richarlison has reached the final days of a transfer saga that has left him with no obvious exit and no place in Tottenham’s Premier League squad.

Saudi Arabia appeared to offer the Brazil international one last escape route after moves to Everton and Trabzonspor fell apart.

Al-Ittihad were among the clubs linked, while several reports suggested the Saudi market would remain active until October.

That option has disappeared, with football.london reporter Alasdair Gold saying the Saudi Pro League confirmed on Sunday night that its summer registration period had closed.

Portugal is not a solution either. Its later deadline reportedly applies only to young players, with the senior window having shut on Friday, the same day as Turkey’s.

Richarlison asked to leave Spurs during the summer, so Roberto De Zerbi omitted him from his 25-man league squad.

The manager says he initially wanted to retain him and offered a new contract, but the forward made clear he wanted a fresh start.

Spurs then moved forward with Dominic Solanke and summer arrival Omar Marmoush as their senior strikers.

Richarlison is still under contract, despite suggestions they could mutually terminate his deal, and has been training at Hotspur Way, but away from the main group.

A return to Everton was explored before the English deadline, but no agreement followed. Trabzonspor then offered him a route to Turkey and personal terms were reportedly settled, only for time to expire without the clubs completing the move.

He therefore faces the prospect of spending at least four months without Premier League football.

Tottenham can alter their squad in January, but there is little sign of a route back under De Zerbi unless circumstances change.

Atlético Mineiro enter Richarlison race with talks opened

Brazil has now become the most realistic exit, even though returning home this month was not initially Richarlison’s plan.

Journalist Guilherme Frossard now reports that Atlético Mineiro have opened talks for the 29-year-old to find out what would be required to take him on loan. Discussions have begun, and his representatives may now reconsider their earlier stance because of the 'unusual' position he now finds himself in.

That is a significant U-turn.

A move back to Brazil had previously been viewed as something for later in his career rather than an emergency answer to a European transfer dead end.

Atlético are not alone, with Frossard also claiming Vasco da Gama are leading the chase after a major push from their supporters caught Richarlison’s attention.

Vasco can also offer an emotional pull that their rivals cannot.

The three clubs Richarlison could join if he leaves Tottenham

Richarlison revealed in a 2024 interview that he grew up supporting the Rio club, as did his family, and regularly stayed up to follow their matches while playing in England.

He also said he would consider representing Vasco, Fluminense or América Mineiro if he returned to Brazil.

Atlético have nevertheless placed themselves firmly in the contest by opening talks.

A loan may give Spurs a quick way to remove an unhappy player from the immediate picture, although the clubs would still have to settle the financial terms and Richarlison would need to approve the destination.

There is almost no time for a deal to be shaped. Brazil’s window closes on Friday, meaning Atlético and Vasco have only days to persuade the player and reach an agreement with Tottenham.

Richarlison’s contract runs until June 2027, with Spurs holding an option for another year. That protects Tottenham’s position, but it also means a temporary exit would leave his long-term future unresolved.