FC Barnet opens doors for Dele Alli – Return to England

At the training ground in north London a new chapter is ready: FC Barnet, leaders of League Two, have left the door open for 30‑year‑old former England international Dele Alli for a possible comeback in England. Manager Dean Brennan emphasized that Alli can use the training to get fit again.

Manager explains open doors

"The doors are open," said manager Dean Brennan of FC Barnet. He confirmed that Alli is using the training facilities in north London as a tenant.

Alli "is currently going through a really tough time," Brennan explained. "There is obviously a reason why no one has signed him." The 30‑year‑old, 37‑cap England international deserves a second chance.

Review and career stops

Four years ago the previously highly successful and promising career of Alli took the wrong turn. Since then it has only gone downhill. Is there now a fresh start? After leaving Tottenham he was without a contract and searched in vain for a new challenge.

Since the end of his contract with the Spurs in 2022, Alli has recorded a total of 29 league appearances for Everton, Besiktas and most recently in Como. His last match was already a year and a half ago. In his first and only appearance for Cesc Fabregas' Como he came on as a substitute after nine minutes and saw the red card against AC Milan.

Earlier successes and current decline

Alli was, in his youth, one of England's and the Premier League's best players and was twice named the league's best young player. He played alongside Harry Kane, Heung‑Min Son, Christian Eriksen and Hugo Lloris for the championship and the Champions League title. For the Spurs he completed 269 league matches, scored 67 goals and provided 59 assists.

With the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino after the lost Champions League final in 2019 against Liverpool, Alli's star began to fade. In 2023 he reported mental issues and unresolved childhood traumas.