‘Waive the medical’ – Transfer gamble that could land injury-ravaged Dele Alli new club as ex-Tottenham star prepares to leave Everton as a free agent

That is the opinion of Dr Raipal Brar, a specialist in physical therapy and sports science, who has seen the former England international endure a wretched time on the injury front of late. Dele is approaching free agency at Everton while working his way back from surgery on a persistent groin problem.

The 28-year-old midfielder has made just 13 appearances for the Toffees since joining them from Tottenham in January 2022, with no improvement in personal fortune enjoyed when taking in a loan spell at Turkish outfit Besiktas last season.

Dele has not played a competitive game of any kind since February 2023, which may limit his options when it comes to landing another contract this summer. Dr Brar has, however, told Goodison News of one potential route around that problem: “He has been injured all season so his fitness is at an all-time low. Difficult to say what his options are from a club perspective because we aren’t privy to that. In terms of his medical, it will be a normal physical that looks for any outliers when it comes to physical concerns, particularly with the areas of injury that kept him out. In the case of a club who wants him but aren’t comfortable with his physical status or medical, they can always opt to waive the medical, but of course that comes with an acceptance of risk.”

There have been suggestions that Dele should look to take a couple of steps back in order to move forwards again, with another stint in the EFL being speculated on, but he may yet generate Premier League interest as there remains no doubt that a man with 37 England caps to his name is an elite performer when fully fit and firing.