In 7 days, Dele Alli — second only to James Rodriguez in terms of “global profile” in our signings in recent years — is out of contract.
As if by magic, he’s “back on the grass” today on social media banging in shots from 30 yards.
I’ve read conflicting accounts that, with him out of contract, we do or don’t owe Tottenham Hotspur money if he extends his stay. If the former, I’d cut him loose after 2 years of failure on £100k a week.
However, if no fee is due, I’d play hardball with him. He’s at the point his erstwhile England colleagues Wilshere and Hargreaves have been in during the recent past. If he is fit. I’d offer him some kind of short-term, pay-as-you-play type deal which automatically triggers a longer-term contract… if he stays fit and performs.
Whether he and his agent would accept such a deal? Who knows. Maybe like Jesse Lingard he lacks self-awareness and thinks he can double his money based on successes of old. But, I’d at least have the conversation.