Former Tottenham Star Dele Alli has been omitted from Everton’s Premier League squad, despite efforts to secure a new deal with the club.
The 28-year-old troubled midfielder, who has been training with Everton’s first team, remains unemployed after his contract expired last season.
However, there is still hope for Alli, as Premier League rules allow free agents to join a squad after the deadline if less than 25 players have been named as per The Sun.
With three youth players – Youssef Chermiti, Roman Dixon, and Harrison Armstrong not occupying a spot in the 23-man squad, a space could open up for Alli according to The Sun.
Alli’s time at Everton has been marred by fitness issues, making just 13 appearances since his transition in 2022, followed by a disappointing loan spell at Besiktas, where he scored only three goals in 17 games.
Everton manager Sean Dyche’s update on Dele Alli
Meanwhile, Everton manager Sean Dyche had previously hinted that Alli could earn a new contract by impressing in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
However, the Toffees boss said Dele Alli is not ready to return to match action despite the midfielder being back in training.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Tottenham, where Everton suffered a 4-0 defeat on August 24, Dyche was pressed on the availability of the former England international. He replied: “He is not ready to play yet, he has not played in a long time.”
Asked if the 28-year-old was keen to stay at the club, Dyche said: “Well we haven’t gone down that road yet because he’s not ready to play yet. You have to be able to play to know what the future holds.”
Alli’s contract with Everton has expired at the end of the 2023-24 season with no sign of the Toffees reviving his career.
It remains to be seen whether Everton will offer Alli a lifeline or he will be forced to explore other options.
Everton’s Stance Over Dele Alli’s £10mTransfer Fee
Everton may not pay Tottenham the agreed-upon £10m transfer fee for Dele Alli, despite the midfielder’s move to Goodison Park in January 2022.
The initial free transfer deal included a clause requiring Everton to pay £10m after Alli made 20 appearances for the club.
However, with Alli having played only 13 matches in the 2021-22 season, followed by a loan spell at Besiktas and a thigh injury that kept him sidelined last season, Everton are hesitant to trigger the payment.
The Toffees have refused to alter the terms of the deal, despite Tottenham’s offer to reduce the fee to £8m in exchange for decreasing the minimum appearances.
Now that Alli’s contract with the Toffees has ended, Everton’s decision raises questions about the midfielder’s future at the club.
What’s next for Dele Alli and Everton?
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 28-year-old at Everton and as for the Toffees, they will go head-to-head with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, September 15.
Do you think Everton will find a way to revive Dele Alli’s career as per Premier League rule, or will this standoff mark the end of his time at Goodison Park?
Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below:
