Juventus are monitoring Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison as a potential transfer target, should their pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani fall through, according to reports in Italy. The Brazilian international has experienced a career of peaks and valleys, overcoming a difficult upbringing and battling depression to become a prominent Premier League player.
Richarlison de Andrade was born in Nova Venecia, Brazil, in 1997, and grew up in humble circumstances. He has consistently used his platform to give back to his community, prioritizing investment in his family and future over extravagant purchases. Early in his life, he worked various jobs, including selling ice cream and cleaning cars, before being steered towards football by coach Fidel Carvalho. Carvalho recognized his talent and helped him avoid a potentially troubled path, noting that many of his childhood friends ended up incarcerated.
After progressing through the youth ranks at America, Richarlison moved to Fluminense before securing a transfer to Watford in 2018 for a reported €12 million. A year later, Everton invested €50 million to bring him to Goodison Park, where he established himself as a prolific goalscorer, netting 53 goals in 152 appearances despite his versatility as both a centre-forward and a left winger. In January 2020, Everton reportedly rejected a €100 million bid for the player.
He joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 for a fee of €70 million, but found his opportunities limited due to the presence of Harry Kane. Despite a challenging relationship with then-manager Antonio Conte, Richarlison became a key player for the Brazilian national team, culminating in a spectacular overhead kick against Serbia at the 2022 World Cup, which won the tournament’s goal of the tournament award and was nominated for the Puskas Award. However, following the World Cup, he publicly revealed a battle with depression, admitting he considered quitting football. He cited a painful separation from his long-time agent as a contributing factor to his mental health struggles.
Richarlison has since regained his form, winning the Europa League with Tottenham and playing a vital role in their successful fight against relegation last season. His contract with Tottenham is set to expire in one year, and his salary of just over €3 million net per year is considered affordable for Juventus. Manager Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly keen on his technical abilities and experience, making him an attractive option if the club are unable to secure Kolo Muani.
