Dele Alli could be set for a dramatic return to his former club, with the 37-cap England international intensifying his efforts to complete a long-awaited comeback.
Dele Alli is reportedly being lined up for a remarkable return to MK Dons, the club where his professional journey began. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton midfielder, who earned 37 caps for England, has been without a club since leaving Serie A side Como in September and is now stepping up his latest comeback attempt.
MK Dons targeting Dele for promotion push
According to SportsBoom journalist Neil Goulding, MK Dons are keen on bringing Dele back for a second spell, believing his experience and quality could boost their promotion ambitions in League Two. The club currently sits sixth in the table, just three points behind the automatic promotion places.
Despite his free-agent status for the past five months, Dele is said to have not abandoned hopes of playing at a higher level. Reports claim he has received interest from four La Liga clubs, though the 29-year-old has yet to decide on his next destination.
A once-promising career that lost momentum
Dele emerged from the MK Dons academy in 2012 and went on to make 88 senior appearances, scoring 24 goals and playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the Championship in 2015. His performances earned him a move to Tottenham, where he rose rapidly to prominence, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons.
Internationally, Dele was a regular starter for England at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. However, his career trajectory declined sharply following his departure from Spurs in 2022. Subsequent spells at Everton and Besiktas were hampered by injuries and inconsistent form, while a move to Como offered little revival, as he made just one appearance before being sent off.
Former MK Dons boss reacts to Dele’s struggles
Former MK Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo, who observed Dele closely during his early years, expressed disappointment at his decline. Speaking after Dele’s exit from Como, Di Matteo admitted it was difficult to assess the situation from afar, but described it as a shame that such a gifted English talent had fallen away from the top level, adding hope that Dele could rediscover both enjoyment and stability in his career.
What lies ahead
Dele has been training with elite coaching group Refined by CP as he considers his next move, regularly sharing updates on his progress. It remains unclear whether he would be willing to drop down to League Two or if MK Dons will formally pursue a deal.
Last April, Dele stated his ambition to return to the England setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though achieving that goal now appears highly unlikely, regardless of where he continues his career.
