Football
Exclusive: Dele Alli Could Be Handed Shock Lifeline by Boyhood Club in Bid to Reignite Career
Former England star Dele Alli is reportedly considering a shock return to MK Dons to revive his career. Despite interest from La Liga clubs, the midfielder could find his way back to the club where he made a name for himself and achieved success. Following a turbulent career post-Spurs, Alli is looking for a fresh start to resurrect his once-promising career.
Parma v Como - Serie A by Ciancaphoto Studio | Getty Images
Dele Alli could be offered a fairytale return to one of his former clubs in order to revive a once glittering career, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
But the former Premier League superstar won’t be going back to Tottenham Hotspur or even Everton.
Instead, the 29-year-old midfield ace is understood to be wanted for a comeback at the club where he made his name, MK Dons.
The League Two outfit, owned by a Kuwaiti consortium, are chasing promotion and sit only one point outside the three automatic promotion places.
And while Alli hasn’t given up at playing at higher level after being released by Serie A side, Como after a single game last September.
Four La Liga clubs also want to provide him with one more chance to stay in the big time with Elche the favourites.
REKINDLE CAREER
Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen were briefly linked too. But chance to rekindle some of his happiest career memories could prove the catalyst to greater things.
Championship outfit Wrexham were also linked with a move for Alli back in September.
Alli was a key component when MK Dons won promotion to the Championship in 2015. He was also a member of Karl Robinson’s side that famously thrashed Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup.
That season, he was sold to Spurs for £5 million but loaned back to the Buckinghamshire outfit, before rejoining the North London outfit after promotion was secured.
In seven years, at White Hart Lane he made 269 appearances, scoring 67 goals. He became an England regular and was part of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
But his career began to dip after leaving Spurs and had undistinguished spells at Everton, Besiktas and latterly Como.
However, he has also previously revealed how an addiction to sleeping pills and child abuse trauma had led him to check into a rehabilitation centre.
As a free agent, he can still sign even though the British transfer window has closed.
Having written for national newspapers and respected publications for 25 years, Neil brings a wealth of experience as both a writer and journalist. In the past three years, he has done freelance work for BBC Sport.