Dele Alli’s Everton career is not yet over.
The midfielder moved to Everton from Tottenham in January 2022 but has been unable to rediscover his best form. Games have very much been at a premium for Alli, who has only made 13 appearances across his two-and-a-half years with Everton.
That included a loan spell in Besiktas, which was cut short as the Turkish outfit failed to see the best of the former England international. Alli is now looking for a new employer but will be allowed to remain in and around the club despite being off contract.
The 28-year-old has continued to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme from a long-term groin injury, which he has recently been undergoing away from Merseyside. And he will get the chance to continue his rehab at Goodison despite his contract expiring.
The club’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him whilst he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.
“Both Sean and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”
Dele was previously tipped to be among the finest English talents of his generation, excelling in the young Tottenham side that challenged for honours. Since then his career has nosedived but the midfielder maintained recently he knew what he was capable of.
He said on Sky Sports: “I know my level as a player, I know where I can get to and how good I can be when my head is in the right place. I’m feeling good. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the injury but I’m excited to get playing again. It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough these last eight months.”
He admitted openly he was eyeing a spot at the World Cup in two years time. He has featured at major tournaments for the Three Lions and wants his next step to be at a Premier League club.
Everton also confirmed that captain Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young were offered new one-year extensions. The Toffees also took up an option to extend Idrissa Gana Gueye’s deal until the end of June 2025 has been activated. Andre Gomes and Andy Lonergan will leave when their current contracts expire at the end of next month.
