Dele Alli’s Journey: From Spurs Star to Seeking New Opportunities

omidbasir- Dele Alli joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 after his evident potential was recognized at his boyhood club, MK Dons. He quickly established himself among the Premier League elite, earning the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award twice.

During his time at Spurs, he scored 67 goals in 269 appearances and earned 37 caps for the England national team. In 2022, Dele took on a new challenge by joining Everton, but he has since struggled with form and fitness.

Despite his recent challenges, he remains a beloved figure among Spurs supporters, and he is set to return to familiar territory when Arsenal visits the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. An official statement from the club reads: “Dele returns to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as our special guest for the north London derby.

“One of the most popular players of the modern era—67 goals in 269 appearances in all competitions—Dele won the hearts of Spurs fans during his seven years with the club from 2015 to 2022. Notably, his anthem, ‘we’ve got Dele…’, was the first sung by fans at the new stadium during its opening night against Crystal Palace in April 2019.

Supporters will have the opportunity to serenade him once again during half-time on Sunday, as he reminisces about his memorable moments with Spurs alongside commentator Paul Coyte.

Dele’s recent career trajectory has been unpredictable. Released by Como in September 2025 after making only one substitute appearance, which ended in a red card, he has remained a free agent since then. He has been cautioned that securing another contract will not be an easy feat after experiencing limited playing time over the past three years. Former Spurs defender Stephan Carr remarked to GOAL about Dele’s situation: “It’s alarming how far he has fallen. At just 29, he has recently passed his peak, but the amount of football he has played in the last few years is minimal.

“It’s a challenging position to be in. It’s akin to recovering from an injury; returning to fitness takes significant time. He has missed a lot of football. Although he still seems eager, his opportunities are dwindling.

“Whether someone offers him a chance remains to be seen. He is an exceptional player who has represented England, but that is in the past. Currently, he hasn’t been active or performing, making this a critical juncture for him. Wherever he finds himself, it may not come with the luxury of choice; he might face trials to prove his worth. The real question is whether he has the determination to overcome such challenges.

“I understand the difficulties of going through a trial; for me, it was manageable. However, each situation is unique. I can’t assess his personal circumstances or the support system around him. He has dramatically fallen from grace, making it challenging to regain his position. While he may feel ready, his body may not cooperate due to a prolonged absence from competitive play.”

Despite these hurdles, Dele remains optimistic, as he has been linked with clubs both in the UK and Spain. He keeps fans updated on social media with videos showcasing his ongoing individual training programs.

As he looks forward to Tottenham’s match against their arch-rivals on Sunday, he hopes to see the team secure three points, with Igor Tudor set to make his debut as interim manager following the departure of Thomas Frank. Currently, Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League table, five points clear of the relegation zone.