The game-changing cash-plus-player deal Tottenham and Al Ahli should agree that would suit both clubs.
Tottenham striker Richarlison is attracting massive interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia but a swap deal could work for both.
Tottenham are at a crossroads again for strikers ahead of next season. They have been linked with the likes of Ivan Toney and, more recently, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, there could be an answer hidden in plain sight.
3addedminutes reported this week that Al Ahli, the mega-rich Saudi Arabian club, is interested in Richarlison, who enjoyed his best return since joining the Lilywhites with 11 goals last season. However, he could do with a change of scenery. Sources have said Spurs are assessing their options and encouraging bids. A swap deal with Al Ahli, who have former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino on their books, could be the best thing for both clubs involved.
In Firmino, Spurs get a proven Premier League striker, a winner of multiple trophies, and by all accounts, one of the best teammates anyone could ever play with. Firmino is also an underrated leader, having worked with Jurgen Klopp and was the glue that kept Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah together. He would bring an immeasurable amount of leadership and experience to the current Spurs squad.
He would also be cost-effective in a swap deal, especially at a time when every club needs to keep an eye on the balance sheet. Although with Spurs keen to sell Richarlison for £60m, Al Ahli would still need to stump up some form of transfer fee
For Al Ahli, they get a younger Brazilian striker in Firmino who has the star attraction that clubs in the Arab Gulf crave so much. He has the ability to create the buzz match-going fans want, especially if he could rediscover his form that made him a big name during his time at Everton.
Despite a challenging season at Tottenham, Richarlison has shown his goal-scoring ability at Everton and for Brazil. Given the right environment and regular playing time, he could become a prolific scorer for Al Ahli and could challenge the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden boot.
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For both players, it’s also a fresh start to try and get things right. It goes without saying that Richarlison has struggled a bit since he moved to North London. It would have been painful watching from his treatment table as his beloved Brazil struggled in the Copa America recently.
Firmino has also spoken about the challenges of adapting to the Saudi League and will undoubtedly be delighted with a move that sees him return to the Premier League. In the end, a deal like this will benefit everyone involved, including both clubs and the individual players.
I know that swaps are unlikely in an era where everyone is chasing big-money moves. Swap deals rarely work out well, but there is a market for a deal like this one, especially when both parties stand to benefit.
When Spurs lost Kane last season, they did not only lose a world-class striker, they also lost a leader. Bringing in someone like Firmino will undoubtedly go a long way in replacing that leadership and quality.
