Everton have reached an agreement in principle to sign Dele Alli on a free transfer, but the deal will only take effect once the midfielder returns to full fitness, according to Sky Sports news editor Alan Myers.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 5 October, Myers confirmed that while the agreement is in place, Alli will only be added to the club’s payroll when he’s fit and ready to play.
The 28-year-old is currently recovering from an injury and undergoing rehabilitation at Everton’s facilities.
Myers wrote: “As far as I’m aware a deal has been agreed in principle but that will only kick in once he’s fit and ready to play.”
Dele Alli appears to have caught the eye of Everton manager Sean Dyche during training sessions.
Although Dyche recently gave an update on Alli’s fitness, suggesting he still has a way to go, it’s clear the Everton boss sees potential in the former Tottenham player.
Given the circumstances, it’s evident that Dyche considers Alli a part of his plans for the season.
Everton’s management wouldn’t push for the signing of an injury-prone player if the manager wasn’t on board, and the financial details of the deal remain unclear.
While Alli may have once commanded significant wages, his current fitness issues likely mean he cannot demand the same terms as before.
However, a fully-fit Dele Alli has shown in the past that he can be a force in the final third, and Dyche must have seen flashes of that potential in training.
The hope now is that Alli avoids further setbacks, regains his fitness, and can contribute to Everton’s campaign once he’s back to full health.