Club president claims £22.5m Everton signing was on the way to Turkey before Everton swooped in

With five arrivals in Nathan Patterson, Anwar El Ghazi, Vitality Mykolenko, Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek, Everton were one of the busiest sides in the winter transfer window. On deadline day, they not only announced the arrivals of Frank Lampard as manager and Van de Beek on loan but were also locked in negotiations with Tottenham for Alli.

The Toffees had already exhausted their domestic loan deal quota through the loans of El Ghazi and Van de Beek which meant that they would have to agree on a permanent deal with Spurs for Alli.

The Englishman had fallen out of favour at Tottenham and was not in the plans of Antonio Conte. The former MK Dons player was best seen as a squad rotation option, leaving Alli with no choice but to seek newer pastures. Everton had been linked with Alli in previous windows, although this time, it was more concrete than just mere speculations.

Alli moved to Everton, joining Frank Lampard in the hope to revive his career after recent standstill. Alli, once deemed as a richly talented youngster emerging in English football, had become just another player who couldn’t reach his potential. For the 25 year old, time is still on his side to undo the mishap and carve out a way to the top.

Everton new signing Dele Alli was on his way to Adana Demirspor

Before Everton and Lampard swooped in for the attacking midfielder, Turkish side Adana Demirspor already had a deal in place with Spurs. According to Turkish media outlet Sporx, Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak claims that they had a deal with Tottenham to bring Alli on a loan deal. The loan deal was in the final stages but then Lampard joined Everton and spoiled the business for Demirspor.

"We made a deal with Tottenham for Dele Alli. They were going to give him on a loan. Even his older brother came to Turkey. The transfer was almost over. Just then, when Lampard went to Everton, he broke our business (via Sporx)"

Lampard was an influential figure in bringing Alli to Goodison Park. The former Chelsea boss called Alli to convince him to come to the club. If there is someone who can understand Alli profile and counsel him on his weaknesses, it is Lampard. The 43 year old made a living by playing in a similar role and won prestigious accolades.

Perhaps, what was even more striking was that the Toffees managed to engineer a smart deal. Given the loan quota exhaustion and Profit & Sustainability limitations, Everton brought Alli on a free transfer with payments based on team and individual performances.

After 20 appearances, Everton will pay £10 million to Spurs, which will only happen next season given that Alli can play a maximum of 18 Premier League games in the remainder of the season. Since he is cup tied, he won’t play any FA Cup games. Alli’s market value stands at £22.5 million (Transfermarkt), this is a pretty handsome piece of transfer business from the Royal Blues.

Alli now has a fair shot at redemption and Lampard could be the goldsmith who needs to polish the jewel.

Will Dele Alli succeed at Everton?