Barnet's manager offers Dele Alli a chance to revive his career

While Dele Alli trains with Barnet’s first‑team in hopes of regaining fitness, his future remains uncertain after parting with Serie A side Como in September 2025. The former England midfielder posted a TikTok video of himself shooting at the club’s base, sparking speculation about a possible return to English football.

Manager Dean Brennan, the club’s manager, formally invited the 30‑year‑old to join first‑team training, saying the aim is to improve his fitness. The invitation was accompanied by footage supplied by Getty, showing Alli working on his shooting at Barnet’s facilities. Brennan stressed that the club’s training ground is open to rent, a practice that aligns with their business model.

Alli's recent career and free‑agency status

Alli has been without a club since leaving Como in September 2025. He made one appearance for the Serie A outfit, being sent off on his debut against AC Milan for a foul on Ruben Loftus‑Cheek. The midfielder’s contract ended, leaving him a free agent in the year.

Could Alli join Barnet? Brennan answered unequivocally, “I’ll take him all day long. You would be mad not to take him.” He added that signing the former England international would be a logical step for the club.

When asked whether Alli had been renting the club’s facilities, Brennan explained, “That’s exactly what he’s done. Our facilities are available to rent. We don’t live in Disneyland down at our level… So renting our facilities out was part of the business process and it looks like Dele’s done just that.”

Barnet’s league standing and upcoming fixture

Barnet currently sit top of League Two after an unbeaten start to the new season, having won four of their seven matches. Their next challenge is a trip to bottom‑placed Crawley Town on Saturday. The Bees’ strong start under Brennan has raised hopes of a promotion push.

Alli’s career began in League One with MK Dons before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015. He was named PFA Young Player of the Year in each of his first two seasons and earned his England debut at 19, eventually scoring three goals in 37 caps for the Three Lions. Injuries, including hamstring problems and a serious muscle tear, curtailed his spells at Everton and Besiktas, and he was released by the Toffees in the summer of 2024.

The contrast between Alli’s high‑profile past and his current training stint at a League Two club underscores how a second chance at Barnet could reignite his career, but the outcome remains to be seen.