Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the strangest moves of the January transfer deadline day 2022 was that of Dele Alli joining Everton from Tottenham on a free transfer. Alli signed a two-and-half-year contract with the Toffees
A strange type of deal
The move wasn’t that strange, but the way that the potential fee was set up was a bizarre one. He arrives on an initial free transfer, but Everton has to pay Tottenham add-ons that could add up to around £40million. However, that depends on Alli’s and Everton’s success.
The reason for the rather unconventional deal was that Everton could not do another domestic loan, as they already have Anwar El Ghazi and Danny van de Beek at the club on loan from other Premier League clubs. Therefore, a free transfer with future fees suited the Toffees.
Needs something to revive his career
Dele Alli had spent seven years at Tottenham before his switch to Everton on deadline day. At one stage of his Spurs career, the 25-year-old was regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the English Premier League. Alli won the PFA Young Player of the Year awards in seasons 2015/16 and 2016/17. His good form led to links to moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid. The future looked bright for the attacking midfielder up until 2019.
Since the exit of Mauricio Pochettino as Tottenham coach Alli has struggled for form. Some have questioned his motivation and drive. However, his quality was never in doubt, as he has proven in the past that he can play at the highest level of the game.
For whatever reason, Dele Alli’s career has stagnated at Tottenham under the management of first Jose Mourinho and more recently Antonio Conte.
Maybe he needs a change of environment to revive his flagging career. A new city, club and a fresh start could be just what he needs to bring back the form that made him such an exciting player to watch.
The fact that his new coach is such a big fan will certainly add to Dele’s confidence and maybe get that bit more out of him. Also, who better to learn from than such an accomplished attacking midfielder as Frank Lampard. It could be an ideal partnership.
The deal works well for everybody
This deal is one that could be a shrewd one for all parties involved. Alli gets a chance to play football again under a head coach he admires at a club where he could become a hero if he plays well. If he plays well then obviously that will be good for Everton and they will not mind paying the add-ons. If Alli is successful, then maybe just maybe the Toffees will finally achieve that longed-for success.
Tottenham will be pleased to have sold a player who is on relatively big wages, who was no longer wanted by head coach Conte. If he is successful on Merseyside, the north London club win too, as they receive a bigger fee.
For most connected with Everton, signing Dele Alli is a low-risk gamble. If it works out then Everton may have just got themselves the bargain of the season. If not then they can sell the player on and they haven’t paid out a huge transfer just his wages and maybe the first instalment of £10million. Everyone’s a winner!
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Will Dele Alli prove to be a good signing for Everton?
