Dele Alli

Yes, technically his contract runs to the end of June but Everton have shown no intention of having that conversation. I think they would have already had it well before the end of the season.

It's Hasta la Vista, baby. Goodbye to tens of millions of or precious but far too easily squandered pounds… and for what? A few moments that helped in one (or was it two?) games out of the 13 he supposedly 'played' in? [I use the term loosely.]

He owes us big time for giving him a chance of getting his life back. We got nothing out of it other than a free meal for Kenwright off Levy, and half an opportunity which came off.

That one half-chance was gold. It would have cost us more than what he cost us, so all things considered, it was worth it.

Now? He's gone hasn't he? Are we to expect a Damascus moment where he sees the light and wants to perform?
I can't see it happening..

A 50% Dele Alli is better than anything we have.

Just get him off the payroll and off the premises.

He has been a disastrous vanity signing for us, tying up money in wages that could have been spent on a productive player – or helped to manage down the PSR woes.

Since leaving Spurs, his few performances (apart from one 45-minute spell) have stunk the place out (including a really awful spell at Besiktas). He hasn't played any football at all for 12 months.

The idea of him now coming good is crackers. Very sadly he was finished when we very unwisely bought him – which is why Spurs agreed to let him go.

Move on – and never enter into these daft vanity signings again.

Players need to be robust as a bare minimum otherwise what is the point?

I bet when the deal was sealed, and behind closed doors, he went right down on his knees and thanked his God for helping him get that player out of his club and off the wages list.

At the other end of the deal, Soft Lad was planning how to tell his version of how he pulled off this amazing transfer!

Life's not always about bloody money.

It didn't work out as we all wanted but this outlook that "he owes us" is (to be diplomatic) very distasteful.

If he still wants to play football he'll find someone else willing to take a chance on him. I'd suggest that's at least one rung down the divisions.

I can't believe anyone thinks we should waste any time with him. We're a Premier League football club; we need Premier League players and he isn't one.

On a personal level I hope he can figure things out.

Who would you rather play off a striker, Dele or Doucoure?

Kenwright certainly had his pants pulled down by Levi and not for the first time!

Ali has been a very expensive sick note for most of his time here and we have to remember that we're a financially stretched football club and not a free convalescent home.

Having said that he single-handedly saved us from the drop in that brilliant 45-minute cameo v C Palace and I'll always be grateful for that. That was two years ago but unfortunately we've hardly caught a glimpse of him since.

Paul # 8, I too am glad he's in a better place mentally but unless he's offered, and accepts, a 'pay if you're fit to play deal' then I feel it's time for both sides to move on.

Where or who in this world of business or sport even pays lip service to doing that? I hope (hoped) he would come good for us and try to repay the faith we showed in him. Nowt distasteful inferred or meant.

I was brought up to repay the faith others had in me, I brought up my kids the same way, look after the ones that looked after you first. I wish him the very best, I would love him to get back to the player he was...

Personally, I would be tempted to offer him some form of contract. Not sure how Spurs would feel. Have to assume there's some element of his present contract that would have to be addressed given the history of the transfer etc.

Whilst I don't think he necessarily owes us, although it would be nice to think he does, it would also be nice to think he could recapture his form somewhere and if that's with us, it would be great.

He's going to turn up somewhere, more likely in the South closer to family network. He's probably better off out of the gaze and pressure of the big clubs for the time being so whilst it would be interesting to see him with us, I could see him turning up at Luton in the Championship, or Notts Forest, Leicester, Southampton, Brentford, Ipswich Palace, Brighton etc..

I agree with Paul Hewitt's comment..

'If Everton have helped Dele turn his life round and he's in a better place. Then I think we've done a good thing. Life's not always about bloody money.'

That puts our role into his hopeful rehabilitation into perspective

Christine # 13, I don't see why Dele owes us anything. We entered into a contract with him of our own free will - knowing that he was on a steep downward trajectory and knowing that Spurs were desperate to cut their losses. That we were incredibly stupid is on us, not him.

Shaun # 11, unless you happen to have a time machine, there's no question to answer. Doucoure is the only one of the two players still capable of playing.

I agree with Bill because Alli definitely helped us stay in the Premier League that night, so it will be interesting to see what happens next.

The fact we did give him a contract was our issue not his, fully agree and he owes us not a penny because of it, But, morally he knew he was in a bad place and we have helped him out of it. So yes, in my book he does owe us, not contractually of course, but we have stood by him and still are.

We have cared for him, paid him exceptionally well despite his issues (not that we could have done much else) but also helped him during and after his contract.

What's wrong with expecting acknowledgement of our commitment to him? I think I must be stuck in a bygone age...

A player doesn't lose a god given ability, I would be inclined to give him some kind of contract if the manager thinks it the right thing to do.

We are not exactly chocka with quality players.

This is a guy in COVID who wanted to get rid of ordinary workers why paying his footballers millions. The guy would sell his own mother for a profit.

We've had a few already:

Royston Drenthe
Andy van der Meyde
Billy Kenny

Others randomly off the top of my head...

Adriano
Mohammad Ihatteren
Adel Taraabt
Ravel Morrison

Sad but something quite a few athletes suffer from and they never really turn the corner.

Obviously other factors cause a decline such as age, loss of ambition, other mental issues etc.

Once the contract is over, then the club should move on, look at Roberts (24) list and learn a lesson about due diligence before signing employment contracts.

If the club learns that single lesson then the money spent on Dele won't have been totally wasted.

But ………., if he were to walk out of Everton and then sign up for some obscene wages in the Saudi League or whatever, then he would lose my respect.

He at least owes it to Everton or Dyche to say, ‘Listen, I want to try and help Everton after what you did to support me. Give me a chance to prove myself - don't pay me until I am able to do this, this and this.' That would be a fair way for him to try and repay Everton.

I'm sure we all recognise that there are many pitfalls in life, no matter who you are, and some footballers fall harder than others. Whether it's addiction, vice, injury, trauma, depression or anything else - any of those things can leave an individual feeling ill-equipped to function, focus and perform. Some bounce back, some don't.

And so we get to Dele. He is someone who has confronted his very real demons. He is in recovery. Hopefully he will stay sober and focused, but the prospect of relapse is very real for any recovering addict. But here is, coming out of nearly 18 months of injury nightmare, and ready to finally climb out of the chasm of a pitfall that he has spent the last 5 years inside, and something tells me that his footballing days are not over.

12 months ago Ross Barkley signed for Luton, and to a lot of people it looked like they were taking a chance on damaged goods. Within a few months many pundits were calling him the signing of the season, and many fans on here were cursing our own board not for taking that chance on him ourselves. I think that a more centred, more mature Dele could bounce back in the same way.

So, with all that in mind, I would be offering Dele a deal of some description. Maybe just a one-year deal with the option of a second. Because there's still a tremendous footballer in there, and if we can help him to get fit and ready to play for this football club then we might just have made the signing of the season.

Dele has spoken publicly about the support that the club have offered him, and his gratitude to the club. I hope that continues.

You're probably right. I was surprised though about a month ago when Dyche said he'd be sticking around until the end of June and they would see what happens with regard to possibly staying longer. There has been silence since so they probably have decided but who knows?

Remember when Alessandro Pistone was released out of contract after two years of injuries. Then a few months later we re-signed him as a free agent "back on the grass", then he got injured again for the duration of that contract.

Then drive him to the train station – we don't need the Dele Alli of this world no more.

Never give up on anyone.

If we now sign him as a free agent, it says everything about the clowns who have run (down) this club.

Was he struck off or did he just get back on his Super-duper mower?

On the other hand, his contract has been a disaster for us. £13M in wages, a signing-on fee, a squad place – all for nothing. On purely sporting terms, he's been (barring a 45-minute cameo) the worst signing in the history of the club.

But it's over now. We can't dwell on it. We can only send him forward with our best wishes, hope that we've contributed in some way to his rehabilitation as a young man, and hope that the club become far more diligent and circumspect in our future transfer dealings. Beginning with never dealing with Daniel Levy again.

Let's not forget he played the second half and was immense that night. He put in a big shift and had my respect from then on… that was the last time I cried.

He has enjoyed the lifestyle of a superstar without giving it back in any way. He has been given opportunities in life that most people will never have so while I sympathise with his mental and Injury problems I don't believe he thinks he owes Everton anything and that sums it up.

Seriously the guy has not played regular competitive football for several years. I think his last proper season was 20,19-20. He's still young at 28 but, with only 20-odd bit-part appearances in the last 3 seasons, none the season just gone, I just can't imagine him playing in the Premier League again, never mind for us.

Dyche has had 1½ years to get to know him and hasn't (in public anyway) made any indications of getting him into the first team again.

I have no idea about his interaction with the rest of the squad but, if money's involved, I'd let him try to revive his career elsewhere. Assuming that's what he actually wants. Greenwood's done okay in Spain with Getafe, maybe that sort of level would suit and not the cauldron of Besiktas?

If he's fit, and Dyche believes he can be useful, offer him a very low-ball contract and see what he says.

The guy owes us big time. After 5 outstanding games, pay him a pay-for-play bonus for the rest of the season.

I'm only drreaumin!!

Never cut your nose off to spite your face.

Given where we are, it would take quite a massive upturn in both to merit a contract of any kind (even pay-as-you-play). Even if his mental health has improved dramatically – he's still injured and unfit to play. His general fitness too must be badly hit after basically missing 3 seasons (the footage of him attempting to keep up with the pace of play in Turkey was somewhat embarrassing).

Personally, I think Alli would be mad to take a pay-as-you-play deal if he has proper offers on the table from, say, the MLS or Saudi. This might be the last chance he ever gets to monetise his damaged reputation. He's already rich, sure, but at the young age of 28 there's no guarantee he'll ever earn money again if he blows this chance.

I also strongly expect he'll leave us in a few days too and, like Spurs, we won't end up regretting the departure.

Very sad story – but then football (and life) is littered with similar sad stories (often nothing like as high profile).

That would be a real test of their belief that Dele Alli can be a real player again!

I can't really believe that some are claiming his 2nd half appearance against Palace warrants a new contract. He has been paid in excess of £100,000 per week for 2 years he has played in 13 games and most as a sub, has had no assists and no goals so, for games played, he has been paid nearly a million pounds a game.

He has spent more time in London rehabilitating than he has at Finch Farm. This club has had points deducted for not managing its accounts as it should and some knowing that are still suggesting he gets another contract.

Best thing for him is to probably try and rebuild a career somewhere with a softer spotlight. Perhaps the MLS or Saudi.

Seems he has a challenge to meet your demand.

1. The possible strings tied to the current contract, if any money would be due to Spurs. That's a showstopper in my book.

2. How "fragile" is his mental state, never mind any physical injury. Any doubt precludes anything other than a play-as-you-go with an option to review in 12 months.

3. How committed is he to Everton? If fit and well, does he actually want to play?

Reading some of the above comments, that's unlikely.

Even if there is some further funny business in the existing contract, that contract ends over the weekend. From 1 July we should be free (like any other club) to offer him a contract with no Spurs related strings attached.

If we do re-sign him (although I'm convinced we won't) I'll be delighted to see him on the pitch doing well for us. I'm sure most fans are the same Ian # 50.

May all be academic.. videos of him on the grass are great, but it's the Premier League, you have to be ultra fit and on top of your game to stay in it, never mind come back.

Dele Alli put through his paces as soon-to-be free agent trains with Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke & ex-Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of pre-season despite uncertain future

Dele Alli has been training with Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke & ex-Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker-Peters to keep himself fit ahead of next season.

Reports from The Athletic suggest that Everton are interested in reassessing him during the pre-season. However, there are financial implications to consider. If Everton decide to extend his contract, they will need to negotiate a substantial fee with Tottenham Hotspur, a factor that complicates the situation.

Thelwell's renegotiations don't seem to have got far yet.

The most famous one is the most publicised one: £10 Million due to Spurs after Dele's 20th appearance with Everton. Hence, 6 more games that we can play him without having to pay.

If we indeed want to give Dele a hand towards his recovery, we can offer him a contract with NOTHING UP FRONT (i.e. No Base Salary, No Sign On Bonus & No Agent Fees, NADA) and only Bonuses based on Appearances, Goals & Assists, then let Dyche to pick the best 6 games to utilise him (and hopefully with impact) for next season. Afterwards, we bid him adieu and release him. Hopefully by then, he can be considered an attractive asset enough for other clubs on this planet earth to sign him.

And at the same time, a Finger and Eff-You for Levy, although I highly doubt Dele's camp would agree to such arrangement (Louis Saha's contract with us back in the late 2000s was the closest to the above).

PS

For those Thelwell-sceptics, Dele's contract and agreement with Spurs have Liar Bill's dead fingerprints on every single part of it. So, let's get this very last damage of his into the Sunset quietly, shall we?

Damn you, Levy.

The payment clauses, based upon appearance milestones, that have been agreed upon between us and Spurs are going to be binding, whether we sign him an extension before his contract expiring on 30 June, or we let his contract expire and sign him to a new contract on 1 July or 1 September.

Are the above statements correct though?

Where is that documented?

The reason I ask is that I find it very very difficult to believe from a legal point of view that a seller can put stipulations into a contract that continue to be valid after that contract is complete.

A contract is not bound by time unless stated. Everton may have signed a contract beyond the stipulated playing time at the club.

If he plays again for the club the contract could be still active. If he joins a new club, there may be a fee due to Tottenham. The latter is a common clause in contracts between clubs.

There is no doubt that the legal implications of this contract were glossed over by Everton. It stinks to high heaven. To go to court is not an option, since the eventual legal costs to the club would be exorbitant, with a racing certainty of losing the case.

He has on several occasions expressed in full public his gratitude and indebtedness to our club. He did not sell himself to Everton. “Acknowledge”. Do you want him to put on sackcloth and ashes and drop to all fours and crawl around The Old Lady before kick-off begging forgiveness and saying over and over again, “thank you”.

Should we put up a whipping post on the centre circle and whip the ungrateful twat “until his back be bloody” (as was the formula in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries)?

There are more than a few posts/posters on here to quote for “the sackcloth and ashes” point of view.

Whipper Bob Parrington (42), instead of hiding behind worthless generalistations – “the guy owes us big time” – explain why Dele “owes us big time”. Because we bought him? Because we were thankfully sympathetic to his mental health (as any employer is obliged to be)? Because he accepted the wages we offered him? Because if anyone fucked up it was us and not him? Because he has mental health issues?

Guess what Bob Parrington, he owes us fuck all other than the public expressions of gratitude that he continues to make. Do you want him to get an Everton tattoo on his knob or give every one of his “traitorous” pennies to charity?

Dele's '45 against Crystal Palace – others were instrumental too – more than paid off any debt/“owes us big time”. Think for a minute of the money we would have lost without it, and we might still be down there today with little hope of any significant investment.

Everton's Dele is seen training with elite athlete performance coach Connor Peters, with the former England midfielder's contract set to expire today as he looks for another cub.

MAN OWES US BIG TIME.

Errrm.

I'd love him to get back playing to a decent level with us, but I just don't see it happening.

Unless him, his advisors & the club who know the complexity of the deal that brought him have conspired to get one over on Levy and have been holding him back to avoid paying any money to Spurs, then his time has been one of the biggest wastes In our recent history.

Spurs should just let the lad get on with his life.