Dele Alli Tipped for Sensational Return to Tottenham as Academy Coach
Dele Alli could be on the verge of a remarkable comeback as he nears his long-awaited return to competitive football. The 28-year-old midfielder, who hasn’t played first-team minutes since February 2023, is now being backed for a potential future role at his former club Tottenham Hotspur.
The former England international has faced a challenging two years plagued by injuries. After his loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas ended prematurely in April 2023 due to a tendon injury requiring surgery, Alli’s return to parent club Everton was further complicated by additional setbacks, including a groin injury that necessitated surgical intervention.
However, signs of recovery are finally emerging. Alli recently signed with Serie A side Como on an 18-month contract (with an option for an additional year) and was named in a matchday squad for the first time in two years when Como faced Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on March 2.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has expressed the club’s confidence in Alli’s potential, stating: “The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad.”
Potential Future at Tottenham Hotspur
Former Spurs striker Clive Allen has suggested there could be a meaningful role for Alli at Tottenham in the future, potentially as an academy coach rather than as a player.
“Maybe that [a return to Tottenham] could be possible,” Allen told Tottenham News. “Every football supporter will be wishing him well at Como. He’s had a big dip, which can happen.”
Allen further elaborated on what this role might entail: “A role at Tottenham maybe. I’m not sure if he’s a coach or a possible manager, an academy coach to give knowledge to young people. He may look at educating young players around depression and avoiding certain situations.”
This potential mentorship role could be particularly valuable given Alli’s personal experiences with mental health challenges and the pressures of professional football at the highest level.
Regarding Alli’s immediate playing prospects, Fabregas has indicated patience is key: “It’s a progression for him. He came with us to Rome. He’s not yet ready to play, he will be on the bench tomorrow as well, and then we’ll see… I need to feel the right moment to bring him in.”
Alli’s journey during his peak years at Tottenham included:
- Two PFA Young Player of the Year awards
- 50 Premier League goals in 181 appearances
- 37 England caps with 5 international goals
The midfielder’s potential return to football represents one of the sport’s most intriguing comeback stories. Having once been valued at over £100 million during his peak at Spurs, Alli’s career trajectory serves as a reminder of both the fragility and resilience within professional football.
Whether his future lies as a rejuvenated player at Como or eventually as a mentor back at Tottenham remains to be seen, but football fans worldwide will be supporting his continued recovery and return to the game.
Are you a Spurs fan with memories of Dele’s best moments? Share your thoughts on his potential return to the club in a coaching capacity in the comments section below!