Tottenham Hotspur have reacted angrily to Everton’s claims that they exploited their Financial Fair Play (FFP) problems to drive a hard bargain in the Richarlison deal.
In a 41-page document published by the Premier League’s independent commission as the Merseyside club was docked ten points, Everton claim Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to pay the £80 million they demanded for Richarlison due to their financial situation and forced them to accept £60m.
According to the Daily Mail, Spurs have labelled the claims as absurd.
Spurs have pointed out that if all the bonuses are met, Richarlison would be their record signing.
At the moment, his already-paid transfer fee of £52.5m is second on the list behind Tanguy Ndombele’s £54m move from Lyon.
Tottenham believe they offered more money than his other suitors and that Everton made a profit on Richarlison’s £40m acquisition from Watford.
They argue that Everton’s financial mismanagement is at the root of their downfall, pointing to other assets like Anthony Gordon that the Toffees should have sold earlier to maximise profits.
The consequences of Everton’s claim could be far-reaching, with Spurs reportedly furious. This situation might complicate any deal between both clubs for Dele Alli.
Tottenham loaned Alli to Everton, and the Toffees need to pay around £10 million if the England international makes seven more appearances.
Due to their dire financial situation, Everton cannot afford that fee right now. Both clubs held talks about the fee last month, but Everton’s claims have thrown those discussions in jeopardy.
Tottenham want to see Alli regain his confidence and flourish on the pitch again but will be determined to make matters right for all parties.
Everton will be calm for now as Alli is still recovering from an injury he suffered earlier this year while on loan to Turkish giants Besiktas.
He still has a long way to go before recovering his top fitness level and regaining Sean Dyche’s trust.
