Richarlison saw his proposed move to Vasco da Gama collapse in painful fashion on the final day of Brazil’s transfer window.

The forward had warmed to the idea of joining the club he supported as a child, but finding a deal that suited Tottenham, Vasco and the player proved impossible.

A loan until December was the first plan on the table, but that option was blocked because Spurs had already reached FIFA’s limit for players temporarily sent to clubs in other national associations.

Vasco then explored a permanent transfer and tried to convince Richarlison to sign a contract lasting three and a half years.

That did not suit the Brazil international, as his preference was to spend the rest of 2026 at São Januário before considering another move, with a return to European football still part of his thinking.

Vasco were unwilling to buy him without longer protection and the talks ended before Friday’s deadline.

Richarlison later thanked the club’s supporters and made clear that he still hoped to wear their shirt in the future.

For the time being, however, he remained a Tottenham player with nowhere to play in the Premier League.

Richarlison was omitted from Spurs’ 25-man league squad after asking to leave and has also been working away from Roberto De Zerbi’s main group.

The Carabao Cup could have offered him competitive football because separate registration rules apply, but De Zerbi shut down that possibility before Tuesday’s trip to Liverpool.

De Zerbi also insisted Richarlison wouldn't play even when available, including in the Carabao Cup.

Lucas Moret has now reported that those comments have caused another "shocking twist" in the forward’s plans.

Richarlison had previously notified Tottenham that he was prepared to seek a unilateral termination for just cause after being left out of their Premier League squad.

He later stepped back from that route and pursued an agreed release, which would have offered a quieter ending to his four years in north London.

According to Moret on X, De Zerbi’s public stance has angered Richarlison and convinced him to revive the more confrontational approach.

The player’s camp reportedly believe the manager’s refusal to use him could support an argument that he is being denied the chance to work fully while still under contract.

Moret also claims the original notice was submitted before the Brazilian deadline, and the legal view presented in his report is that this date could allow Richarlison to register for Vasco if a later decision releases him.

Tottenham could challenge any unilateral action, while neither FIFA nor the Brazilian authorities have publicly approved a move.

Vasco must also decide whether they want to reopen talks after the frustrations of deadline day.

Richarlison’s route to Brazil still remains narrow as a result, but De Zerbi’s comments appear to have brought it back into view.