Dele Alli in League One? Ex-Tottenham star given ‘step down a league or two’ transfer advice after becoming a ‘disaster’ for Everton

The former Tottenham midfielder was once considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football, with 37 caps earned for his country. He was a goal-scoring force to be reckoned with at Spurs and regularly drew links to some of the biggest sides in Europe.

A spark soon fizzled out in north London, though, and Dele was presented with a clean slate when linking up with Everton in January 2022. That move has not worked out as planned, with a succession of frustrating injury problems holding him back, and another change is now on the cards as his contract runs down.

Former Everton scout Bryan King has suggested that the MK Dons academy graduate may have to step back into the Football League when hitting free agency, telling Goodison News of a player that is still just 27 years of age: “He’s not an Everton player, I can’t see his future there. He’s got to get his head around rebuilding his career, and I can’t see him rebuilding it at Everton. I think maybe he needs to step down a league or two, he’s still young enough. Ever since he stepped foot at Everton, he’s been a disaster. He had so much going for him at Tottenham, he’s just dropped off the radar. Terrible.”

Dele has been struggling with a persistent groin problem of late, having undergone surgery in January, and appears destined to sever ties with the Toffees after making just 13 appearances for them – with a forgettable loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas thrown into the mix last season.