Frank Lampard shares update on Dele Alli amid Everton exit links
Frank Lampard has hinted that Dele Alli could leave Everton this summer, after suggesting that he had held a “long conversation” with the midfielder.
According to a report from The Daily Mail (19 August), Alli is close to completing a move to Besiktas. The Turkish club are hoping to secure his signature before their game against Fatih Karagumruk on Sunday.
The Toffees are reportedly willing to let Alli leave, possibly initially on loan. Lampard has said that Alli needs to work hard irrespective of what happens.
Lampard said on Friday (19 August) as relayed by Richard Buxton: “There’s interest in Dele, I think that’s come out publicly in the last couple of days. It’s one for us to consider behind the scenes.
“It’s a long conversation that I don’t want to get too drawn on because the name Dele’s name comes up in the opinion, people queue up to have an opinion… I think we should just respect the fact that he needs to keep working & it’s his career.
“I think the intentions of bringing him in were pretty clear… I think everyone was aware of the curve of his career. That’s something you take into account. I saw recently it was £40M – it wasn’t. He needs to keep working, no matter what happens.”
Likey to leave
Alli joined the Toffees in the January transfer window but he has struggled for regular games at the Merseyside club.
The 26-year-old has only managed a total of 38 minutes in the present campaign and hasn’t done enough that creates a good impression.
Besiktas would prefer an initial loan deal, and the transfer probably hinges on how the deal is structured. Based on what Lampard has today, it seems that the club is prepared to let Alli leave this summer, either on loan or permanently.
Alli has made 13 appearances for the club so far, and they would owe Tottenham £10 million if he plays 20 times for the Goodison Park club.
His career has gone downhill following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, and he has never regained his confidence.
Everton took a gamble on him in January, but it seems Lampard is convinced that Alli is not the right player for his redevelopment project.