Spurs' £60m striker Richarlison remains in U21s amid goal crisis

Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League squad for the first time in his time at the club, and the 27‑year‑old has instead been featuring for the under‑21s. The move came after the club announced its senior squad list last month.

Spurs are currently grappling with a serious goal‑scoring crisis, having found it difficult to convert chances in the first half of the season. The club’s position in the drop zone has intensified pressure on the front line, making the absence of a striker of Richarlison’s calibre a major concern.

Acquired for a reported £60 million in 2021, Richarlison has been expected to be a key figure in Tottenham’s attack. His exclusion from the senior squad has therefore attracted scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.

While the club has not released an official statement, speculation points to a combination of fitness issues and a desire to regain match sharpness through regular playing time at the U21 level. The coaching staff may also be hoping to assess his form in a less high‑pressure environment.

Looking ahead, Tottenham’s fixtures will test whether Richarlison can return to the first team and help the club climb out of the relegation zone. The next steps will depend on his performance with the U21s and the tactical decisions of the coaching staff in the coming weeks.