Orlando City have opened preliminary talks with Tottenham forward Richarlison, laying the groundwork for what would be one of the most ambitious signings in the club’s history. Market specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that discussions have taken place with the Brazilian’s camp, though any move is viewed as a long-term target rather than an imminent deal.
MLS interest confirmed but deal far from close
According to Romano, Orlando City executives recently travelled to London to meet with Richarlison’s representatives, outlining the club’s long-term vision and gauging the striker’s interest in a future switch to Major League Soccer. The meeting was not a formal transfer negotiation or contract offer, but rather an exploratory conversation to express the club’s intent and ambitions.
Romano was clear that, while interest from the MLS side is genuine, a transfer is “unlikely” in the short term. The key obstacle? Tottenham’s asking price and Orlando’s current inability to meet a “very important” transfer fee. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027, and the club would likely need a significant offer to consider letting him go.
Richarlison’s mixed form and uncertain Spurs future
The 28-year-old began the season brightly, scoring twice in Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Burnley. But since then, he’s only found the net once, and questions persist about his long-term role under Thomas Frank. Spurs reportedly considered moving him on in the summer and could revisit that possibility next year especially if they want to avoid the risk of a free transfer closer to the end of his deal.
Romano’s comments appear to contradict earlier reporting from ESPN, which claimed that Orlando had made a summer move for the forward that collapsed over a €40 million valuation. Instead, Romano indicates that talks were held “in recent days,” positioning this more as future planning than a failed past attempt.
Author Opinion: Orlando playing the long game and that’s the right call
This won’t happen overnight, and that’s fine. Orlando City’s approach reflects ambition, patience, and strategy, three things that often go missing in the MLS transfer rumour mill. Richarlison isn’t just a splash signing; he’s a World Cup winner with Premier League pedigree and still in his prime years. Laying this groundwork now shows the Lions are thinking beyond the typical DP model.
For Richarlison, a future move to MLS could offer a chance to become a marquee figure in a growing league but only if the timing and financials align. As of now, they don’t. But that doesn’t mean this conversation is going away. Orlando have made their intent known. Whether Spurs and Richarlison eventually listen is the next chapter.
