Richarlison ushers in another new era for Tottenham yet this time it feels slightly different

They would go on to nearly appoint Paulo Fonseca and Genaro Gattuso before rejecting both men at the last minute, which essentially left them no options. That was after Antonio Conte refused the club, and they rejected him, at that time, because of the Italian’s win now methods and the players he needed to do that. In the end, they went the safe and very safe route with Nuno Espirito Santo, and unfortunately, the Portuguese had other issues on his head.

Not just Kane but Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski enjoyed arguably one of the best second halves to a season the Premier League has seen. Between themselves, the trio combined to score 51 goals in the Premier League alone. No other trio managed more, and nobody even came close. Individually, only Kevin De Bruyne managed to compete with 15 goal contributions, but even that sandwiched him between Kane and Son (19) and Kulusevski (13). 

It shows how much they improved because while Son thrived in the opening six months with 11 goal contributions, Kane and Kulusevski didn’t even hit double figures with their combined totals. It meant that in no time, Conte not only stabilised and made Spurs a coherent outfit but turned them into a top four contender, if not more, and it’s the more that he wants. That seems to have been something that Spurs have realised because for Conte, a top four place means absolutely nothing as the Italian has grander ambitions.

And so far, the hierarchy seems to have responded to that, especially if the signings are any measure. Yves Bissouma and Ivan Perisic are archetype Conte moves, but Richarlison will attract all the attention even five odd days later and even after Arsenal signed Gabriel Jesus. Because while one Brazilian is exactly what many would expect from one North London side, the other is not. Especially when considering how badly Tottenham have been burned in the past by big money moves. 

But Richarlison changes all that because, for one, he has one thing that the others don’t, and that is genuine experience in the Premier League. The fact that the Brazilian has been, ever since he arrived, practically a one-man wrecking ball for Everton is impressive, but the fact that he has done it while carrying the team on his back is stunning. Yet, given their offensive line and the 51 goals they managed to get in just half a season, few would have thought Spurs would add another piece.

Mainly because in the past, Tottenham have had this weird thing about having elite talent as substitutes but that has what has hindered them, especially when everyone else hasn’t bothered with that. Manchester City might be the most significant example of the lot, but move back into the past, at title-winning sides, and you’ll see the same thing happening. That isn’t to say that Spurs have suddenly turned into title challengers with this one move, but they’re on that path, or so it seems.

Simply because by signing Richarlison, Tottenham have not just shown their strength in the market, but at the same time, they’ve brought in a player with minimal downside. He’s got that chutzpah and aggressiveness that makes him the perfect Conte player and a work ethic. So much so, that if Richarlison somehow manages to find another ten goals per season, he would be the new Diego Costa, which means a switch of nationalities is around the corner.

At the same time, this is a Premier League proven player who not just needed but wanted the step up and would be willing to play off the bench occasionally. Add the fact that he’s just 25, and should this move fail, then Spurs have enough of his prime left to get a decent fee, but that’s just the worst case scenario. 

Even then, it’s weird because you get the feeling that Spurs fans are waiting for the ball to drop. For their side to do something “Spursy” and shoot themselves a couple of times in the foot just for good measure because that’s exactly what they’ve experienced over the last few decades. Because if Tottenham have been willing to do this all this while, then why haven’t they done it in the past? 

That, amongst many others Pochettino related, must be amongst the many questions floating around and yet here we sit with Tottenham making moves to rival the top dogs. Don’t get it wrong, though, because while elite coaching, sensible transfers, and Harry Kane can bridge the gap, Spurs are still a long long long way off from competing for titles and elite honors with Manchester City and Liverpool right now.