Barcelona, PSG, or Newcastle? The clubs that could sign Alli in January?
Cameron Smith
- 14 Dec 2021 15:10 CST
- 5 min read
Roll back to 2017, and there wasn't a young talent in world football as talked about as Dele Alli.
It was the year before Kylian Mbappe announced himself on the world stage, and it was a different youngster who was creating all the headlines.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United were sniffing around and keeping a keen eye on Alli after he scored 18 goals and assisted seven in 35 Premier League starts during the 2016/17 campaign.
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He was the hottest property in Europe, and everyone wanted him.
Yet, understandably, Tottenham refused to sell. Talk of a £100 million bid bubbled beneath the surface, but nothing outright appeared, and Alli seemed happy in North London.
Along with Harry Kane and the core of Maurico Pochettino's side, Tottenham were in good shape with Alli, but interest in the player died down.
That 18 goal season was followed by nine, five, and eight league goals in the three following seasons, and Alli had seemed to lose the flair and excellence he'd once shown.
Then came 2020/21. Under Jose Mourinho, Alli was given a new lease of life, but last season it didn't work. He failed to score a single Premier League goal across the campaign, and although he was handed a chance by new manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the beginning of this year, he's now been succumbed back to a place on the bench.
He hasn't started a league game since September, and that run doesn't look likely to end any time soon with news that Spurs are open and listening to offers in January.
Either a loan or a permanent move away seem likely, with Alli's Tottenham career expected to soon come to a close. But, which clubs could actually come in for the midfielder in January?
Paris Saint-Germain
The first option is a surprise one in Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisians are competing for the Champions League with the highest calibre of players, so Alli, given his poor recent form, certainly doesn't fit that bill.
He is no longer the player he once was, with his turn of pace, spatial awareness, willingness to run beyond a forward, and goal-scoring threat all diminishing dramatically. However, if there's one coach who can rediscover the 2016/17 Dele Alli, then it's his former boss Pochettino.
Alli played the best football of his career under the Argentine, with his style of play perfectly suiting how Pochettino set-up his Tottenham side. So, this could work.
But, his quality at the moment isn't on par with the PSG squad, and Pochettino actually hasn't been able to play his style of football at the Parc des Princes. With the superstars available to him, the traditional Poch way isn't being played, so Alli wouldn't be walking into a system that suits him, that's for sure.
This rumour seems far-fetched.
Barcelona
In true Barcelona fashion, they could well move for Alli in January. Linked with him back in 2017, they could well reignite that interest. Now this doesn't seem likely at all, but given Barcelona's recent transfer business, and links, it's feasible.
Alli would bring something different to the table in Barcelona's midfield, and given they are struggling in La Liga, a goal-scoring midfielder could be what they want.
The only problem is that Alli is no longer his former self. Under Xavi, however, he could be coached to rediscover the talent that is still there. It's a rogue shout, but Barcelona have operated in such rogue fashion recently it could be a perfect match.
Newcastle United
A far more realistic destination would be Newcastle. Despite their recent influx of cash, Newcastle are seriously contenders to be relegated this season, and it'll require a huge turnaround, and January spending, to avoid the drop.
Signing Alli would be the first step towards that, and he could benefit from some consistent minutes. There's no doubt that on his day Alli would excel at St James' Park, but the Magpies need reliability as they stare down the barrel of relegation, and Alli certainly isn't reliable anymore.
Furthermore, Joe Willock was signed for nearly £30m in the summer, and plays in the same position as Alli, so there's a huge clash there.
That being said, it's something that Newcastle realistically could do.
Everton
Everton don't have a single attacking midfielder right now, and with their pursuit of Donny van de Beek now likely to bear no fruit given Ralf Rangnick's arrival at Manchester United, they could turn to Alli.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, the Toffees have suffered a long run of poor form, and pressure is mounting on Rafa Benitez. The former Liverpool manager could call upon Alli, and given the Spurs man's ability in the air, it could work, especially with Andros Townsend on the right wing.
Of course, it would rely on Alli finding some form, but if they can negotiate a small fee, then the move makes sense. Alli can finally get on the pitch, and Everton can fill their hole in the No.10 position.
