Everton have announced the signing of Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli for a fee reported to be around £10 million.
The deal will initially be a free transfer, with the Toffees paying £10m once he has made up to 20 appearances.
The 25-year-old was keen to link up with new Everton boss Frank Lampard in what he would be hoping is a clean slate to his career.
Alli has recently fallen out of favour at Spurs in recent years with a lack of form pushing him down the pecking order in North London.
Once regarded as one of the most explosive English talents in the league, Alli has struggled in recent years to show his capabilities, failing to convince recent managers like Jose Mourinho and most recently Antonio Conte.
Everton made the announcement of the England international’s signing via their official website. The statement read:
“Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur on a two-and-a-half-year contract until the end of June 2024.”
“The England international, who played 269 times and scored 67 goals for Spurs after joining in February 2015, is new Everton manager Frank Lampard’s first permanent addition – following a loan move for Donny van de Beek from Manchester United on the final day of the January transfer window.”
Dele Ali Reacts To Everton Move From Tottenham
Speaking after his move to Merseyside, Alli stated his delight at joining the club and working with Frank Lampard.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Everton, a huge club with a great fanbase and history,” he said.
“I’m eager to get started and can’t wait for my first game in an Everton shirt.
“I’m looking forward to helping the team and the opportunity to work with the new manager Frank Lampard.”
Alli joined Tottenham from MK Dons in 2015. He swiftly got the ground running as he scored 10 goals in his first season at the club.
He more than doubled his goal contribution tally for the club in the following season scoring 22 goals.
However, the goals seemed to dry up in the following seasons with him unable to replicate his goalscoring form.
How Does Alli fit into Everton transfer objectives?
Despite Alli having a poor run of form of recent, Everton know they have signed a player with a huge potential and perhaps something to prove to his doubters.
The transfer is a perfect move for both parties with the club looking for creative additions to the squad and the player in search of an opportunity to rediscover his talent.
Everton recently sacked Rafael Benitez after a poor run of form which has left them currently 16th on the Premier League table and struggling to remain in the division.
It is the club’s hope that the appointment of Lampard and the signing of transfer targets like Alli and Van de Beek will help push the club further up the table.
Everton will face relegation strugglers Newcastle on February 8 in their first game after the winter break.
Enjoyed the article? Share with others as well. Stay in the know, follow us on Twitter @punditgist.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.