Former Everton star is ‘very open’ to dramatic return – Report | OneFootball

Everton eye emotional Richarlison reunion as January window looms

Credit to TeamTalk for reporting that Richarlison is, according to their sources, ready to say yes to a return to Everton should the opportunity arise. The story has lit up Merseyside chatter, not least because the Brazilian remains such a talismanic figure to many supporters and a player who once embodied the club’s fighting spirit.

Everton’s encouraging early campaign has dipped, with back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Tottenham dropping David Moyes’ side to 14th. Performances have provided encouragement, yet the lack of a clinical focal point has again surfaced. Beto and Thierno Barry have managed a combined one goal, and the Toffees are clearly assessing their forward options.

TeamTalk report that “Richarlison is ‘increasingly likely’ to leave Spurs” and that the former Toffee “would jump at the opportunity to rejoin Everton”. His affection for the club has never been a secret, and the publication add he “still feels loved by the club’s supporters and is very open to a return should the opportunity present itself.”

Richarlison motivation and Spurs stance

There is sincerity in Richarlison’s admiration for Everton and his connection to the Gwladys Street end. This is about belonging as much as career direction. Sources cited in the piece make clear the Brazilian “would jump at the opportunity”. One voice close to the player insisted, “He never forgot what the Everton fans gave him, and he knows he still has unfinished business there.”

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However, Spurs are reluctant to weaken their attacking pool until a replacement arrives. As TeamTalk note, Tottenham “will almost certainly only entertain letting Richarlison go if they sign a new striker of their own in January” with Porto’s Samu Aghehowa among those monitored. Their decision may hinge on Dominic Solanke’s recovery timeline, competition on the flanks and squad balance.

Financial reality and history repeating?

For Everton, prudence is vital. The Friedkin Group will back Moyes, though a loan with an option to buy would suit the club most comfortably. TeamTalk highlight that “re-signing Richarlison on loan with an option to buy included in the deal would make the most sense for Everton”. The challenge is whether Tottenham would accept such a structure or press for a permanent exit.

There is a historical echo here. Moyes previously brought Steven Pienaar back from Tottenham in 2012, a move that revitalised both player and club. Richarlison’s numbers are respectable, with TeamTalk reminding readers of his 53 goals and 15 assists in 152 Everton appearances, and 23 goals and 12 assists in 105 outings for Spurs. He remains a hard running, emotionally charged competitor who knows Goodison’s demands.

January outlook

This is a situation laced with sentiment yet grounded in practical concerns. Everton need goals and character, Richarlison craves belonging and minutes, and Tottenham must protect their depth. Dominoes must fall, but the prospect of a reunion has momentum. As another source put it, “If the door opens even slightly, Richarlison will push to walk through it.”

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From an Evertonian perspective, this feels like a romantic spark that carries real competitive logic. Richarlison gave everything each time he pulled on the shirt. Under Moyes, where structure and commitment matter, his pressing, aggression and ability to rouse the crowd could be transformative, especially in tight matches at Goodison.

There will be some nerves about his injury record and whether Spurs would demand a fee beyond Everton’s comfort zone. The club has worked hard to rebuild financial discipline, so any deal must respect the current framework. Still, a loan with an option would be a smart play, and it seems the player would not hesitate. Supporters have long admired his edge and personality. You can almost hear the roar if he sprinted down the tunnel again in royal blue.

Moyes has spoken often about mentality. Bringing back someone who already aligns with the club’s heartbeat could deliver both cultural and footballing benefit. Richarlison on the wing, or up front when momentum falters, gives Everton variety. There is a sense that he never finished his story here. If January brings an opening, there would be few objections on the terraces. In truth, many would quietly hope this reunion becomes reality.