Dele Alli has been warned that, with his form having “fallen off a cliff”, that his next port of call is likely to represent a “last chance” in the professional ranks. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder finds himself in the free agent pool after being released by Como. There has been talk of EFL clubs, including ambitious Wrexham, showing interest.
One & out at Como: Contract torn up
Ex-England international Dele managed just one appearance for Como – with said substitute outing lasting less than 10 minutes after picking up a red card – before seeing his Italian job brought to an abrupt halt.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesOne sub appearance since February 2023
Dele is alarmingly short on match fitness and sharpness, dating back to a loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas in 2023, with any club considering a contract offer fully aware that they would be taking a calculated risk on his services.
Dele's pedigree: Two-time PFA Young Player of the Year
There is no doubting Dele’s pedigree, as a former Premier League star and two-time winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award, but his career has veered wildly off track and suitors may prove difficult to find at the very highest level.
Getty/GOALLast chance? Pulis' take on Dele's options
Experienced coach Tony Pulis, who once faced Dele in the English top-flight, told of the rumours suggesting that a move to North Wales could still be on the cards: “Well, Dele Alli, who was at Tottenham 10 years ago, was exceptional. I can remember managing against Tottenham when Pochettino was manager and I was at West Brom, and he and Harry Kane were a real handful. He's just fallen off a cliff in terms of performances.
“He's really had a bad time. As you say, at 29 years of age, he should be reaching his peak now. But he's had opportunities and he's not taken them. There are question marks over whoever takes him, and I'm sure someone will take a gamble on him.
“This will most probably be his last chance, especially if he comes back to England. So, yeah, he needs a manager who will understand his situation off the field as well as on the field. But if Wrexham can get him going, he certainly was a very, very good player.”