Dele Alli has been using an academy pitch at Tottenham Hotspur F.C.’s Hotspur Way training complex in a bid to maintain his fitness as he searches for his next move, Softfootball understands.The update was confirmed by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle.
Romano stated:
Dele Alli, training at Tottenham ground today while he’s searching for new club. Dele wants new chapter in football at 29 and Spurs gave him permission to train. The English midfielder is available as free agent after he left Como in 2025.
The 29-year-old returned to North London last month as a special guest for the North London Derby against Arsenal F.C. and has remained in the capital since. Addressing supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at half-time during that fixture, Alli delivered an emotional message.
he said:
I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you. A lot has happened in our journeys since we were last together, but I’m back today, and I hope you know that you’ll always be my family.
underlining the strong bond that still exists between the midfielder and the club where he enjoyed the most successful spell of his career.
That connection has been further evidenced by his presence at Hotspur Way. On Wednesday afternoon, March 4, 2026, Alli shared images and video clips on Instagram showing himself training. The footage included sharp passing drills around mannequins and composed finishes into open goals, suggesting a focused effort to rebuild match sharpness.
Alli has been without a club since departing Como 1907 in September 2025. His spell in Italy lasted just six months under head coach Cesc Fàbregas and followed difficult periods at Beşiktaş J.K. and Everton F.C..
Prior to that, the former Milton Keynes Dons F.C. academy product had signed an 18-month deal with Como after being released by Everton in June 2024, but his contract was terminated after just one appearance, leaving him a free agent.
In recent years, Alli has faced significant personal and professional challenges. In an emotional interview with Gary Neville, he revealed details of childhood abuse and difficult experiences growing up, offering context to the struggles that have affected his career trajectory.
However, his recent comments and visible training sessions indicate he is firmly focused on a return to professional football. A sensational reunion with Tottenham has even been discussed, particularly with Mauricio Pochettino strongly linked to a potential return ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Argentine is currently managing the United States men’s national soccer team and is set to lead them at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, but could depart after the tournament when his contract concludes.
For now, Alli’s immediate priority remains securing a contract and proving he can still perform at the highest level. Training at his former club offers both familiarity and opportunity as he looks to reignite a career that once saw him regarded among England’s brightest midfield talents.
In separate developments, Harry Maguire’s long-running legal case in Greece has taken another turn after he was found guilty in his retrial and handed a suspended 15-month sentence, reduced from the original 21 months.
