Richarlison Reveals Years of Secret PSG Talks as Mbappe Replacement

Richarlison held transfer talks with Paris Saint-Germain on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2022, with the French champions viewing him as their primary replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

The Brazilian striker, now Tottenham's leading scorer with 9 Premier League goals in their relegation battle, revealed his agent even travelled to PSG's Paris offices for negotiations that ultimately collapsed.

PSG's Failed Mbappe Succession Planning Exposed

Richarlison's revelation exposes a pattern of dysfunction at PSG spanning several years. The 28-year-old told France Football that PSG approached him repeatedly whenever Mbappe threatened to leave.

I have had contact with PSG on several occasions. Every time Mbappe was about to leave, [the directors] approached me. Once, my agent even went to discuss things in the offices in Paris.

The timing is damning for PSG's recruitment strategy. Rather than building a squad to complement their star forward, they spent years courting potential replacements while Mbappe remained at the club.

Multiple Failed Attempts to Replace Mbappe

PSG first approached Richarlison in August 2021 when he was starring for Everton. That summer marked the beginning of Mbappe's protracted exit saga, with Real Madrid making their first serious attempt to sign him.

The French champions continued pursuing Richarlison through 2022, even as Mbappe signed a new contract that May. This reactive approach meant PSG were constantly planning for life after their superstar rather than maximising his presence.

When Mbappe finally departed for Madrid in 2024, PSG had wasted three years chasing shadows instead of building sustainable success.

How Richarlison Chose Tottenham's Turmoil Over Parisian Glory

Richarlison's £60 million move to Tottenham in summer 2022 now looks like a sliding doors moment. While he became Spurs' record signing from Everton, PSG were still actively pursuing him as their Mbappe insurance policy.

The Brazilian admitted he desperately wanted the Paris move to happen.

I wanted to go there, we talked about it together with Neymar during the Selecao gatherings. It didn't work out, unfortunately, it's a shame.

From Champions League Dreams to Relegation Reality

Four years later, the contrast is stark. PSG remain Champions League regulars despite Mbappe's departure, while Richarlison finds himself fighting relegation with a Tottenham side in freefall.

His individual statistics tell the story:

• Only Spurs player with double-figure goals this season across all competitions
• Nine Premier League goals despite just 15 starts due to injuries
• More than double the goals of any teammate (Van de Ven and Romero both on 4)
• Carrying a team that sits perilously close to the relegation zone

Had PSG succeeded in signing him, Richarlison would likely be competing for Ligue 1 titles and Champions League glory rather than scrapping for Premier League survival.

The Brazilian Connection That Never Was

Richarlison's obsession with playing alongside Neymar drove his desire to join PSG. The depth of his admiration became public when he unveiled a back tattoo featuring Neymar's face alongside Brazilian legends Pele and Ronaldo.

I love Neymar with all my heart. I got Neymar's face tattooed on my back.

The pair did eventually play together at the 2022 World Cup, where Richarlison scored five goals as Brazil reached the quarter-finals. But their club partnership never materialised.

International Careers Now in Jeopardy

Both Brazilians now face uncertain international futures. Neither featured in Brazil's March squad for World Cup qualifiers, with Richarlison's last cap coming in October after 54 appearances for his country.

Their potential reunion at the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance. Richarlison needs to maintain his scoring form to earn a recall from Carlo Ancelotti, while Neymar battles to prove his fitness after injury problems.

It would have been incredible to play in Paris with him and the other Brazilians.

Instead, Richarlison watches from afar as PSG's Brazilian contingent of Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo represent the connection he craved.

What Happens Next

Richarlison's revelation raises questions about his Tottenham future. With Spurs battling relegation and the striker clearly harbouring regrets about the move that never was, a summer exit seems increasingly likely if they drop to the Championship.

PSG may yet return for the Brazilian, particularly if they fail to land other attacking targets. At 28, Richarlison remains in his prime years and his proven Premier League pedigree could appeal to Luis Enrique's rebuilding project.

For now, Richarlison must focus on keeping Tottenham in the Premier League. As their only consistent goal threat, Spurs' survival rests heavily on his shoulders for the remaining seven games.