Dele Alli has been told that his Premier League career could be over, following a nightmare spell at Everton. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur man had been hoping to rebuild his career at Goodison Park, but a combination of injuries and poor form have plagued his spell under Sean Dyche at Everton.
It’s been a rough few months for Dele. The midfielder penned a two-and-a-half year deal at Everton during the 2022 January transfer window, as part of a deal that would rise to £40million if all clauses are met. Heading up to Merseyside full of optimism, the move hasn’t worked out as Everton or Dele would’ve hoped, and now there are suggestions his Premier League career could be over altogether.
That’s according to the majority of Express Sport readers, who were asked whether Dele would be able to rekindle a career in England’s top flight. Over 3,800 people voted in the poll held on our website, with 68 per cent of voters believing the Englishman won’t return as a regular Premier League player.
It comes at a turbulent time for Dele, who is yet to feature at all for Everton this season, having been ruled out of action through injury. Dele last featured for the Toffees at the beginning of last season, before going out on loan to Turkish side Besiktas, where he managed just 15 appearances during his disappointing stint.
But even if Dyche and Co. at Goodison Park wanted to bring him back into the fold, a contractual agreement with Tottenham could mean his time as an Everton player is already done and dusted. As per The Athletic, Everton will be instructed to pay Spurs an extra £10million if Dele makes 20 appearances for the club – the 27-year-old has made 13 so far.
It is suggested in the report that Everton have sat down with Tottenham chiefs to try and find a revised solution to the bonus payment, but so far talks haven’t been successful. The clause means Everton have little incentive to play Dele, even if the 37-cap was available, as the Liverpool-based outfit can ill-afford any unnecessary expenses, given their current predicament with profitability and sustainability rules.
Frustration for Dele, who is said to have returned to training following his lengthy lay-off and could even be available before the end of the campaign. That’s only if Everton can afford to play him, with the former Spurs ace no doubt crossing his fingers that the two sides can find a solution, meaning he can return to the pitch and try to rebuild his Premier League career.
