Former Tottenham star Dele Alli was once regarded as one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the Premier League
Dele Alli was a fantastic player for Tottenham Hotspur during his pomp, creating chances, nutmegging players, combining well with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, making assists and scoring goals.
Since leaving the Lilywhites in January 2022, the creative midfielder’s career has gone downward. Once considered to be one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the Premier League, he has endured a humbling fall from grace.
The 28-year-old was on the books of Everton, mustering only 13 appearances before being released at the end of 2023/24 season. He has not played a competitive game of any kind since February 26, 2023 – during a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas.
Dele Alli has struggled with injuries in the last two years, while issues on the off the field have mightily hampered his once-prospering career. The former England international is a free agent but is training with Everton, using their facilities for rehab at the club’s training base in Finch Farm. According to Alan Myers via X, Alli is closer to returning from injury and featuring for the Everton under-21s in order to build his match fitness.
Ex-scout Bryan King has questioned whether Alli will be welcomed back at Tottenham. He thinks the under-21 game the midfielder plays will be pivotal in deciding the rest of his footballing career.
“He was a surprise package when he joined Tottenham,” Bryan King exclusively told Tottenham News.
“However, he was excellent. He played for England, and he was a major factor for Spurs at that time. However, then he fell by the wayside.
“This game, when he plays for the Under-21s, will be very important, his footballing future could rest on it.
“Will it be at Everton, will he be welcomed back to Tottenham, or will he end up somewhere else?”
There has been talk of Alli being eased back into action at Under-21 level at Everton. It is imperative the Englishman takes every minute on the pitch seriously if he wants to resurrect his career that has gone off track in recent years. He needs to steer clear of injuries and fitness issues in order to prove his worth all over again.
Tottenham have agreed to waive off a £10 million payment that would have been due to them if Alli reaches 20 appearances for Everton—having featured for them 13 times thus far. While they have done that, the north Londoners are believed to be in line for “performance-related bonuses” and a sell-on clause if the MK Dons-born talent does do enough to secure a new contract at Everton.
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As far as Alli’s dream return to Spurs is concerned, it looks a long way off but we have seen stranger things happen in football. Haven’t we?
