Dele Alli's career in limbo after fresh transfer setback for former Tottenham star

Former Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli looks to have had one transfer option shut down (Image: Getty Images)

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli has been hit with another setback as one of his three potential transfer options seems to have been ruled out.

The ex-England midfielder's future is in doubt after his contract with Como was terminated last week. The 29-year-old joined the Serie A team on an 18-month deal in January , hoping to rejuvenate his stuttering career.

However, the move quickly turned sour when he was shown a red card less than ten minutes into his debut for manager Cesc Fabregas ' side in March. Dele was sent off following a reckless tackle on Ruben Loftus-Cheek during Como's defeat to AC Milan at the San Siro.

He was subsequently released from the club by mutual consent after being informed that he was not in their plans for the upcoming season. Since then, reports have surfaced linking Dele with a move to three Championship clubs : Wrexham , who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Birmingham City, and West Brom .

But one of these options now seems to be off the table after Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson revealed the likely candidate to fill his remaining squad vacancy. Parkinson initially named 24 players out of a possible 25 for his squad list for the 2025-26 season, leaving one spot open for a potential free agent signing.

This sparked speculation that Dele could be offered a lifeline by making a move to North Wales. However, Parkinson has revealed that midfielder Ollie Rathbone is expected to fill that position as he approaches a comeback from an ankle problem picked up during the club's pre-season trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson appears unlikely to sign Dele Alli as a free agent (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Rathbone was Wrexham's standout performer last season as they secured their third successive promotion from League One, and Parkinson believes he can be pivotal once more in their current campaign.

"I think Ollie is closing in," Parkinson told The Leader newspaper. "I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive, and he'll be back in a couple of weeks. We need Ollie back, he's a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year.

"He's a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad. But he's played at this level and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.

"His start to the season has been curtailed but obviously he's a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better. His energy and his quality, I can't wait to get Ollie back out with us."

Dele Alli was seen as a bright young talent during his time with Spurs, but his career has since nosedived (Image: Getty Images)

The choice to feature Rathbone marks another chapter in Dele's troubled career. He was formerly hailed as one of the Premier League's brightest prospects during his spell at Spurs, but has found regular game time hard to come by following his exit from the club in 2022.

Dele, who boasts 37 England caps, has experienced a downturn in his career following unsuccessful spells at Everton , Besiktas and most recently Como. Initial reports suggested he was contemplating retirement after a disappointing stint in Italy, but these rumours were subsequently refuted.

In a previous interview, he candidly discussed how childhood trauma, addiction issues and mental health struggles have impacted his career . While Dele's next professional move remains uncertain, he disclosed last year that his goal is to secure a spot in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup as he eyes a return to international football.

In an April 2024 interview with Sky Sports, he said: "You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, 'World Cup 2026'. That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, 'He hasn't played in a year' but I don't care, I know my level.

"The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer."