Former MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has given Dele Alli valuable support in the fight to revive his football career, after the two happened to meet in Marbella this summer.
According to reports, the English midfielder is now training with Championship club West Ham ahead of the new season – a sign that the 30-year-old is ready for a long-awaited comeback. – The London club that was relegated in the last round of the Premier League season will return as soon as possible. A Dele Alli in form will definitely contribute.
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Alli, who has 37 caps for England, has been without a club since September last year. Then he was released by Como after only one appearance for the Serie A club. The last time he played a competitive match was in March 2025 – a substitute against AC Milan that came to an abrupt end when Alli picked up a red card in injury time.
Now the former Tottenham and Everton player wants to return to the pitch, and this is exactly what he has spoken to Robinson about. The two have a special bond – it was Robinson who coached Alli at MK Dons, when a young and promising Alli took his first steps towards stardom.
An hour’s talk in Spain
In an interview with talkSPORT Breakfast, Robinson gave an insight into the conversation the two had after they happened to meet in Marbella, where Alli has spent time training.
“I spent about an hour talking to him. We just bumped into each other, really,” Robinson began.
“We talked about football in general, about how good he feels, and how he wants to get back to playing again. He is looking for an opportunity.
Robinson points out that today’s media image often obscures the human side of the players.
“I think the problem in the modern world is that social media controls a lot of how we perceive them as people. We forget that he was – and still is – a great talent.
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Long way back
Robinson emphasizes that the road back after a long absence is demanding.
“To be away from football for as long as he has been, it’s tough. He himself has talked about how difficult it can be to get back to training after only six weeks away. When you have been out for over 12 months, the challenge becomes even greater.
He adds:
“The real test will come when he again crosses the white line with a real match jersey on. Only then will we see where he actually stands.
Now it’s up to him
As mentioned, Alli is said to have trained with West Ham, which Robinson also commented on.
“He’s had more chances to get going again, so you can’t blame everyone else anymore. Now he must first and foremost look at himself,” says Robinson.
“If he gets this opportunity and goes to West Ham and starts at full speed, they know they’re going to get an incredibly talented footballer. But it’s up to him now. There is no one else who can do the job for him.
Robinson concludes with a call:
“It’s just about him putting his boots back on and doing something he really loves.
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