Regulatory ceiling stalls Richarlison’s loan move to Vasco

In the bustling office of Vasco da Gama, a banner reading “Mela negociação do Vasco por Richarlison por motivo inesperado; entenda” flashes on the screen, signalling that the Brazilian club has secured the striker’s acceptance of its offer, even as a loan move stalls.

Tottenham Hotspur informed Vasco that the loan cannot proceed because FIFA restricts a club to a maximum of six players on loan to foreign federations, a ceiling the English side has already reached. The rule applies to simultaneous loans, not to those within the same national association.

Tottenham’s loan quota already exceeded

The Spurs currently have seven players out on loan, six of which are with clubs outside England. Those abroad are Pape Matar Sarr at Juventus, Vicario at Juventus, Dragusin at Fiorentina, Souza at Porto, Takai at Sint‑Truiden and Min‑hyeok Yang at KVC Westerlo. Kevin Danso is on loan at Sunderland, but because Sunderland is an English club it does not count towards the foreign‑loan limit.

Richarlison, whose contract with Tottenham runs until June 2027, was not registered for the current Premier League campaign and has expressed a wish to leave the club. He has already indicated a desire to join Vasco, the club he supports as a fan.

Vasco’s board, represented by Lucas Pedrosa, says they are still working to complete the deal before Brazil’s transfer window closes on Friday, 11 September. The club hopes to finalise the paperwork despite the regulatory obstacle.

Media reports and player intentions

Journalists Bruno Murito and Letícia Marques reported that Richarlison was told on Tuesday, 8 September, that a loan to Vasco was not possible under the current rules. The striker remains eligible to sign a pre‑contract with any club from January, when he will be six months away from the expiry of his Tottenham deal.

Vasco’s pursuit of the Brazil‑born forward underscores the club’s intent to secure a high‑profile player even when faced with FIFA’s loan restrictions.

The original online notice displays interface labels such as Favoritar, Time, Times, Selecione, Publicidade, Compartilhar, Exibir, Por, Esporte, News, Mundo, Licenciado, Resumo, Os, and repeats the words POR and EMPRÉSTIMO alongside the headline. These terms appear in the same text that mentions FIFA’s loan‑player restriction.