Tom Hopkinson stunned by ‘remarkable’ Dele Alli development at Everton as multi-million news emerges
The Sunday People’s Tom Hopkinson has been left stunned by Dele Alli’s “remarkable” situation, with the Everton midfielder currently on loan at Besiktas.
Turkish media outlet Fanatik claim (17 March) the 26-year-old has failed to impress in training in recent weeks and it’s believed the club will not be taking up the option to make the deal permanent in the summer.
Hopkinson has since reacted to the news and has suggested it’s “remarkable” that he was once one of the most valuable youngsters on the planet.
“Besiktas won’t take up their £8million purchase option. It’s remarkable that only six years ago he was projected to be the second most valuable under-21 on the planet behind Kylian Mbappe,” he wrote (Sunday People, pg 55, 19 March).
Dreadful
Everton’s purchase of Alli from Tottenham has to be one of the worst transfers in Premier League history. The attacking midfielder had one good game before being shipped out to Turkey. Fans will be hoping he is the last example of the club spending an extortionate transfer fee on a player who is declining and well past his best.
He’s clearly a personality who needs a manager to put his arm around him and, unfortunately, he hasn’t had that of late. His next move will be absolutely vital, because, right now, a future at Goodison Park looks like a pipe dream.
Sean Dyche will be completely focused on the players he has at his disposal. The former Burnley boss knows how to get the best out of what hand he’s been dealt, and, at the moment, he’s achieving what has been asked of him. The draw against Chelsea was exactly what to expect from a Dyche side.
They were resilient at the back during the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge (18 March) and took advantage of their set-pieces. It’s been a good run of form for Everton, long may it continue.