‘At least six months’ – Dele Alli contract warning amid latest injury setback as timeline mapped out for ex-Tottenham star to try to earn new Everton deal

The former Tottenham midfielder saw his previous deal at Everton expire when the 2023-24 campaign came to a close. He has been a free agent since then, but has continued to train with the Toffees in the hope of landing fresh terms.

Fitness issues continue to do Dele’s cause few favours, with the 28-year-old reported to have picked up another knock. Regular spells on the treatment table, having undergone another operation early in 2024, are preventing the ex-England international from staking any kind of a claim to contract talks.

Former Everton scout Bryan King believes it could be next summer before Dele is in a position to resume his professional career, telling Goodison News of the long-running saga: “The road is only getting longer for Alli. Decisions will be made when he can start playing again. He will need to be playing with the Under-21s for at least six months before the club can decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract. He has got a lot to prove if he wants to earn another contract. It is a shame because he was a very good footballer, and I’d imagine he still is if he can get back to full fitness.”

Dele has not taken in a competitive appearance of any kind since February 2023, during a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas. He figured on just 13 occasions for Everton, after joining them in January 2022, and has seen it suggested that he may have to step away from the Premier League spotlight in order to get himself back on track.