Much like in 2025/26, Richarlison popped up as the surprise hero for Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's 'friendly' clash with rivals Chelsea, with the 10-man Lilywhites snatching a 2-1 win against Xabi Alonso's side.

In an eventful contest, Sandro Tonali's early strike was cancelled out by Estevao's header, before substitute Kevin Danso saw red just minutes after half-time having hauled down Joao Pedro.

Up against it in that second period, it was Richarlison who popped up for the winner, the Brazilian converting into the empty net after Jamie Donley's initial strike had struck the post.

It's been a fruitful pre-season for the 29-year-old, after previously netting against Auckland FC, although is the beginning of the end for his time at Tottenham?

What De Zerbi has said about Richarlison's future at Spurs

In a dismal season for the north London side, Richarlison was a bright spark in attack, leading the way in terms of goals scored and total goal involvements among the Spurs squad in the Premier League.

His tally of 11 league goals ensured he was way out in front in that regard, with Joao Palhinha sat in second on just five goals, highlighting the long-standing woes in the attacking unit.

Considering that form, alongside his pre-season impact, it might then come as a surprise that Richarlison could be the player to depart this summer.

Now, a record of 27 league goals in four seasons makes for grim reading for a £60m signing, but he's at least shown more than Dominic Solanke, the Englishman only scoring 12 league goals since the start of 2024/25.

Either way, with only a year left on his existing deal, the former Everton man is among those who could be sold before deadline day, with Roberto De Zerbi hinting that the player is uncertain as to whether to stay or leave.

If it is to be the end of the road for Richarlison in a Spurs shirt, ENIC might well have the perfect replacement lined up already.

How Spurs can upgrade on Richarlison this summer

The wait to see who De Zerbi's "bomba" signing will be goes on, with any move for Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi having hit the skids following the Frenchman's injury blow.

There have been tentative links to the likes of Victor Osimhen, although there's nothing concrete on that front, with the Lilywhites still in desperate need of further firepower.

One man who could provide that is World Cup final hero, Ferran Torres, with reports in Spain outlining that Spurs have made an initial enquiry regarding the 26-year-old, suggesting that talks have been held.

It won't be a straightforward deal to complete, however, with the club's lack of European football said to be a potential issue, while Arsenal are deemed to be the frontrunners for the Barcelona man.

Paris Saint-Germain are also in the mix too, with Torres likely to be available for a fee of around €50m (£43m), considering he has just a year left on his existing deal.

That would be a relative bargain for a player who only recently fired Spain to glory over Argentina, the former Manchester City man volleying home in extra-time to notch his 25th goal in just 65 caps for La Roja.

He hasn't always been a hugely popular figure for club and country, but it's difficult to argue with Torres' goal return, having enjoyed a solid season back in Catalonia.

Part of the Barca side that romped to the title, Torres scored 16 goals in just 23 LaLiga starts in 2025/26, netting at a rate of one goal every 120 minutes under Hansi Flick.

For comparison, Richarlison's 11 league goals came at a rate of just one every 178 minutes, with the South American's goal conversion rate of 18% just below that of Torres (23%).

One long-standing concern is just how profligate the Spaniard can be, having missed 20 'big chances' last time out, but he does at least make a nuisance of himself, so often finding himself free inside the area.

It's not as if he doesn't boast a fine scoring record too, netting 16 goals in just 43 games during his brief spell at Man City, as well as 65 in 207 for his current side.

The £43m-rated star has been particularly potent over the last two seasons, scoring 40 goals since the start of 2024/25 in all competitions. For context, Richarlison has netted just 17 times in that same period.

That's not to say Torres will necessarily be the second coming of Harry Kane and prove prolific under De Zerbi, but he'd surely be an upgrade on the Italian's current crop