Richarlison Open to MLS Move as Orlando City Court Tottenham Forward
Oct, 19 2025
When Richarlison de Andrade, a Brazilian international forward, signalled openness to a change of scenery, the football world took notice. The 28‑year‑old, currently under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until June 2027, has been linked with a January 2026 switch to Orlando City SC, the MLS franchise that sent board members to London to pitch their long‑term project. If the deal happens, it would reshape the striker’s role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and give Orlando a marquee name as the tournament roams North America.
Background: From Brazil to the Premier League
Richarlison rose through the ranks at América‑MG before moving to Portugal’s Benfica and then making a splash in Europe with Fluminense’s rivals. After a prolific spell at Everton, where he netted 18 league goals, Tottenham paid a reported £60 million (£80.4 million) in the summer of 2022 to secure his services. Since arriving in North London, he has featured in 101 matches, scoring 23 times, and earned a reputation for his work‑rate and flair, even if his consistency has occasionally flickered.
Orlando City’s Pursuit and the Failed Summer Deal
The MLS side first made a serious approach in the summer 2025 window. Sources said Orlando City were prepared to meet a €40 million (≈$46.4 million) fee, but talks stalled over payment structures and the player’s desire for a long‑term contract that would anchor him as the club’s face ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “We wanted him to be the flagship of our project, not just a loan‑type signing,” an Orlando representative told ESPN Brasil.
Richarlison reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League club in August 2025, citing concerns that a move away from Europe could jeopardise his place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. That decision kept him in London for the first half of the 2025‑26 campaign, where he has already logged three Premier League goals and one assist in seven appearances.
January 2026 Window: New Talks and What’s at Stake
According to Football Insider, Orlando City reignited talks in early December 2025, sending senior executives to London to present a refreshed vision that includes a multi‑year contract, a commercial package, and a promise of a leading on‑field role. Fabrizio Romano was quoted saying the club “is serious about bringing a player of Richarlison’s pedigree to MLS, especially with the World Cup on the continent.”
The potential move would align with MLS’s broader strategy of acquiring marquee talent ahead of the 2026 tournament, echoing the earlier transfer of former Tottenham teammate Son Heung‑min to Los Angeles FC in summer 2025.
Tottenham’s Options and Squad Dynamics
Tottenham’s management has been tight‑lipped about any possible exit. A spokesperson for the club reportedly said, “Tottenham will not listen to offers for Richarlison in January.” The statement came after injuries to forward Dominic Solanke, who underwent ankle surgery in October 2025, left the Spurs short‑handed.
Former scout Mick Brown warned that if Richarlison departs, the club will be forced back into the market to secure a replacement before the February window. Names being scouted include 21‑year‑old Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa of Athletic Bilbao and Middlesbrough’s promising youngster Hayden Hackney.
Despite rumours, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank (noting some outlets mistakenly linked him to Brentford) has continued to feature Richarlison as a key option, especially when Solanke is sidelined. The Brazilian’s current weekly wage stands at £130,000, a figure that MLS clubs are increasingly able to match.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup and MLS
Brazil’s coach has hinted that a player’s club situation will be a factor in the final squad selection. If Richarlison moves to Orlando, he could benefit from regular playing time in a league that will host numerous World Cup matches, possibly boosting his chances of a starting berth.
For MLS, securing a high‑profile Brazil international would be a coup, helping the league market itself domestically and abroad as a legitimate destination for top talent. The move could also raise the profile of the 2026 World Cup, which will span Canada, Mexico and the United States.
- Richarlison’s current contract runs until June 2027.
- Orlando City’s ownership group is led by Flávio Augusto da Silva.
- Potential transfer fee: €40 million (subject to negotiation).
- World Cup host cities include venues in Orlando’s region, offering a home‑field edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would Richarlison’s move affect Brazil’s World Cup squad?
A switch to MLS could give the striker consistent minutes ahead of the summer tournament, potentially improving his match sharpness. Brazil’s coach has said form and fitness will be decisive, so regular play in Orlando might boost Richarlison’s chances compared to limited appearances at Tottenham.
Why is Orlando City eager to sign Richarlison now?
Orlando aims to anchor its brand around a World Cup‑year marquee signing, attracting sponsors, fans and TV audiences. Richarlison’s profile as a Brazil international aligns with the league’s plan to showcase elite talent as the tournament approaches.
What replacement options does Tottenham have if Richarlison leaves?
Scouts have highlighted Samu Aghehowa of Athletic Bilbao and Middlesbrough forward Hayden Hackney as potential targets. Both are young, versatile strikers who could fill the gap left by Richarlison, though they would need to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
What financial terms are being discussed for the transfer?
Reports suggest Orlando City is prepared to meet a €40 million fee, roughly $46.4 million, and match Richarlison’s current £130,000‑per‑week salary with added performance bonuses. Exact figures remain confidential until clubs confirm the deal.
How does this potential move compare to Son Heung‑min’s recent transfer?
Both players are former Tottenham forwards heading to MLS ahead of the World Cup. Son’s move to Los Angeles FC set a precedent for high‑profile European talent embracing the American market, and Richarlison’s switch would reinforce that trend, especially with the tournament’s North‑American focus.
akash anand
October 19, 2025 AT 19:05Richarlison’s situation is a textbook case of a player whose market value is being overhyped; clubs are desperate to cash in on a name rather than assess his actual contributions on the pitch. The striker’s injury record, combined with his erratic goal‑scoring streak, definitelly makes any potential transfer risky. Tottenham’s refusal to listen to offers appears more like a bargaining stunt than a genuine sporting decision, and the Spurs risk losing a valuable asset for nothing if they push him out too fast. Moreover, the Brazilian’s recent form in London has not convinced any sensible analyst, as the numbers show a dip in expected goals per 90 minutes. If Orlando City believes they can resurrect his confidence, they should first consider the tactical fit, not just the commercial hype. This move could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other clubs to chase flash over substance.