Former MK Dons manager Karl Robinson says Everton loanee Dele Alli 'seems himself again' following a phone call with the 26-year-old.
The 37-time England international arrived on Merseyside as a Deadline Day signing under former manager Frank Lampard in 2022. After showing initial promise, his performances dipped and he was loaned to Turkish giants at the beginning of the season.
Dele's professional football career has been topsy-turvy. He was handed his debut by Robinson at the Dons as a 16-year-old before he signed for Tottenham Hotspur where he endured a mixed time.
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In parts of his spell in north London, he was one of the key players under Mauricio Pochettino before his form dipped. A lot has been made of the trajectory of his career with many suggesting it has slowly declined which came to a head when he was loaned to Turkey.
Reports have been mixed from the Super Lig, the 26-year-old was slammed by Senol Guenes for his performances and role within the squad.
And his former boss believes it's a "crying shame" that his time in the professional game has taken him to Besiktas but after a phone call with the midfielder, he seems "excited" over his future.
"He scored 50 goals quicker than Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard, and it’s a crying shame that he’s at Besiktas now," he said speaking to the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.
"I spoke to him about a month ago just to see if he was alright when the earthquake happened in Turkey and he seems a bit different, he seems to be him again."
It was reported the Blues could pay up to £40m for Alli to Spurs as his contract runs out in 2024. Robinson added: "Whether that’s right or wrong, it was just over a phone call, but he seemed excited about the summer, where he goes? It will be his decision."
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