Dele Alli has only appeared 13 times for Everton since joining on a free transfer from Tottenham in January 2022, but the agreement included clauses relating to appearance-based fees.
Everton have begun talks with Tottenham about a possible plan to save Dele Alli‘s career.
Blues manager Sean Dyche has revealed that ‘background talks’ have begun with Dele‘s former club about his future, as he begins the long process of rehab following a serious injury setback this summer.
The Goodison Park club agreed a complicated deal with Tottenham to sign the former England star in January 2022, in which they paid nothing up front but could pay up to £30 million depending on appearances.
The first payment of £10 million is made when Dele plays his 20th game for Everton…However, due to injury issues and a loan spell with Besiktas, he has only played 13 times for the Merseyside club, with one start.
But, given Everton‘s current financial situation, there is no way they will let him reach the 20-appearance mark unless they have a clear agreement with Spurs to waive that fee.
Dyche is eager to give him game time as he tries to help Dele resurrect a career that has been hampered by mental health issues dating back to his childhood, as he admitted in a recent interview with Gary Neville.
And the Blues manager revealed that Everton‘s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, had approached Tottenham to try to find a solution. When asked if there had been any progress, he responded:
“No, not yet, but Kev (Thelwell) has had a couple of phone calls in the background, (asking Tottenham) look where do you see it?” But nothing has changed for the time being.”
Dyche suggested that the situation isn’t too urgent yet, with Dele still a long way from full fitness as he begins his rehab and able to play six more games for Everton without triggering the payment.
“I must state unequivocally that he is on the grass, but he is still a long way from being fit; he is not training with us, but with the sports science staff.”
“He’s just getting back to where he was.” He was extremely unlucky when the rehab (went) wrong after an operation, and it took almost as long as the original moment.
“However, the specialists advised leaving it alone and letting it heal naturally.” He’s in a good place, but he’s still a long way from playing.”
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