Dele Alli’s career has gone off the rails, but he remains an Everton player and could still have a future with the club.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Dele Alli recently returned to Everton for the start of pre-season training. The attacking midfielder has a point to prove at Finch Farm, having failed to impress since his switch from Spurs in 2022. The deal to bring him to Goodison Park could rise to up to £40 million if certain add ons are met. It isn’t clear how much the Toffees have paid for Alli so far, but they are yet to receive any real return on their investment.
The 27-year-old spent most of last season on loan at Turkish outfit Besiktas. However, he struggled for form, and fitness issues saw to it that his stint with the club was cut short. Sean Dyche has already made it clear that Alli “needs to get fit.”
Last chance saloon for Dele Alli
If Alli can’t get his career back on track at Everton this season it is hard to see where his future will lead after that. This feels like the last chance for the 37-cap England man to prove he can still cut it at the highest level.
From an Everton perspective, a fit and firing Alli would be a very welcome sight. It’s been a long time since he has been at his best, but an in-form Alli could be transformative for Everton, bringing creativity and goal threat to the midfield unit. Everton came very close to relegation last season, and with cash already tight, they will need to generate improvements in the squad however they can. With options thin on the ground for the club, one last chance for Alli seems a worthy gamble.
Dyche is a no nonsense manager, and will back himself to get the best out of Alli. He will also hope that Alli recognises his situation and commits himself fully. The Toffees wouldn’t be able to attract a fee for the player this summer, so an attempt at reintegration seems like their best bet. However, it wouldn’t a risk free ploy, as Alli is seven outings away from Everton having to pay Spurs another £10 million.