Everton signed Dele Alli on a free transfer in the January transfer window of 2022. Then manager Frank Lampard viewed Alli as a supremely talented attacking midfielder who could bring his career back on track at Goodison Park.
Alli had lost his spark at Tottenham Hotspur and was surplus to requirements in North London. Spurs agreed an initial free transfer but Everton would have to make payments up to £40 million if certain objectives were met during Alli’s time at Goodison Park. Unfortunately, Alli failed to impress and was overlooked as EFC battled for safety.
Last summer, questions were raised over the Englishman’s future as a loan move was suggested. With Lampard not counting on Alli, he was loaned out to Besiktas as a move to Turkey was seen as last resort for Alli to resurrect a career that seemed to be heading towards an abyss.
Everton midfielder Dele Alli holds talks with Sean Dyche about his future
Alli’s time at Besiktas was nothing short of a nightmare. Besiktas manager Senol Gunes blasted Alli in the media to an extent saying that the Englishman doesn’t deserve to play. In fact, he was banished from the first team and told that he would no longer be counted upon during the games. Besiktas even evaluated the option of sending the 27 year old back to EFC in January.
To make matters worse, Alli suffered a hip muscle injury in April and returned back to Everton after ending his season prematurely. Alli’s future at Everton looked grim, especially under Sean Dyche who demands intense physicality and training from his players.
From an economic sense, if Alli made 20 appearances for the Toffees, they would be liable to pay £10 million to Spurs as part of the deal. The former MK Dons midfielder has made 13 appearances for the Merseysiders and is seven outings away from reaching the milestone of 20 games.
According to The Times, EFC boss Dyche has held talks with Alli about the player’s future at the club ahead of the next season. There is a chance that the 27 year old will be welcomed back to the first team ahead of the next season and could have a part to play in the team. The 51 year old believes that Alli wishes to push himself and is slated to return to Finch Farm for the pre-season.
This could be monumental in Alli’s career and this could be his final chance at salvation. If the Englishman fails to make this chance count, there will be no light at the end of the tunnel for him.
Will Dele Alli play under Dyche?