Dele Alli’s Struggles: From Stardom to Casino Troubles

omidbasir- Dele Alli was once a highly sought-after talent, commanding a salary of £150,000 per week and a transfer value exceeding £50 million ($68 million). However, his career has taken a downturn in recent years.

His contract with Everton concluded in 2024 following a string of injuries and an underwhelming loan period at Turkish club Beşiktaş.

Cesc Fàbregas, the former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona star, offered Dele a potential revival in Italy, with Como presenting terms to the former Premier League standout. Unfortunately, Dele made only one substitute appearance for Como, which was cut short by a red card in a match against AC Milan, lasting under ten minutes.

Following this incident, Dele was released and has been without a club since September 2025. Reports from the Daily Mail indicate that he has frequently been seen participating in late-night card games at The Victoria Casino in central London, where he is believed to have incurred losses of approximately £25,000 per night.

Dele’s lack of skill at the poker table has led industry insiders to label him as a “whale,” a term for a player who loses significant sums of money. A professional poker player remarked, “We anticipate Dele’s visits to the casino because capturing a whale is a dream scenario for serious competitors. Upon his arrival, a message circulates: ‘The Dele is open for business,’ prompting a rush to join his table, as we recognize easy money is to be made.”

Another player expressed concern, stating, “It’s rather melancholy to observe him; he seldom interacts and appears unhappy. Despite his wealth, he seems indifferent to his significant losses, which is beneficial for us.”

Dele is reported to have a net worth of around £20 million ($27 million), providing him the means to absorb such gambling mishaps. Yet, he is eager to return to football and avoid a downward spiral. However, experts warn that attracting offers may prove challenging given his minimal playing time over the past three years.

Former Spurs defender Stephen Carr commented, “It’s alarming to see his decline. He’s only 29 and has just passed his peak, yet he has played very little football recently. The transition back to peak performance is daunting; the body adjusts to inactivity, and regaining that competitive edge is difficult. Although he expresses a desire to return, opportunities are dwindling.”

Carr added, “Dele’s past achievements, including representing England, are now overshadowed by his current situation. Future prospects may not allow for preferential terms; he might have to prove himself in a trial setting. It’s crucial for him to assess whether he possesses the resolve to endure this process.”

While a surprise return to MK Dons has been dismissed, there remains speculation about potential offers from EFL clubs and interest from several teams in Spain, where he was once rumored to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.