Sean Dyche forms opinion on Dele Alli Everton comeback as £10m Spurs fee lingers

Sean Dyche reportedly believes Dele Alli is ready to push himself as he looks to relaunch his career at Everton. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is due to return to Merseyside this summer following an underwhelming loan spell with Besiktas which has left many wondering exactly where Alli’s career goes next following an alarming fall from grace.

Alli managed just 17 appearances for the Black Eagles across the entirety of the campaign and scored three goals before his season was cut short due to injury.

The England international was forced to undergo surgery on a hip injury in April but now he is looking to wipe the slate clean once he has returned to fitness.

According to The Times, Dyche has already held a round of talks with Alli and believes the player still wants to push himself.

Alli is now expected to return to Finch Farm for pre-season meaning the door could yet be open for him to revive his career at Everton.

That said, if the former Tottenham ace plays another seven games for Everton, they will have to pay Spurs £10million.

Everton thrashed out a quick deadline-day deal to sign Alli back in January 2022 which was worth up to £40m in performance-related bonuses.

Although there was no initial fee involved, Everton agreed they would have to pay Spurs £10m when Alli reached 20 appearances for the Toffees.

He has currently played just 13 times for Everton – most of which came in the second half of the 2020/21 season under Frank Lampard when Alli helped keep the Toffees afloat.

Dyche spoke publicly on the future of Alli back in April after an undated picture emerged on social media of the player with a balloon in his mouth, next to a canister of laughing gas.

“There isn’t anything other than getting him fit,” the Everton head coach said two months ago.

“I’ve heard all the noise, I’ve heard all the opinions and I’m pretty sure you’re aware that I like to make my own. But he needs to get fit. I’ve met him but I haven’t seen him train, I haven’t seen him play for Everton, I haven’t seen him train with us every day.

“Before we worry about all of that it’s important that he gets himself properly fit and – if he needs an op or doesn’t – make sure his fitness is good and make sure he’s well and ready to go.”

Dyche also added that he spoke to Alli about his hip problem before adding the attacker must take responsibility if he wishes to get his career back on track.

He continued: “We spoke about his injury, how he saw it, how he saw his time on loan and what he wants to do.

“I got the sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well. First thing first is get the injury right. You can’t do anything when you’re injured.

“As regards football, anything else is down to him. He’s 27, he’s pretty well travelled in the football world and what he has achieved at a young age. Some of it is common sense – do the right things. And you know what the right things are.”