Newcastle United got a lucky escape when it comes to Dele Alli.
The midfielder was linked with a move to St James’ Park in January, with Eddie Howe looking to improve is squad ahead of the quest to avoid relegation.
The Magpies have done just that, with all five of their new signings impressing. However, Alli wasn’t one of the new recruits. And thank goodness.
He joined Everton instead, agreeing a permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day. That’s despite a late attempt from Newcastle to hijack the deal. A move would have seen him reunite with ex-Spurs defender Kieran Trippier, who was PIF’s first January signing.
The Independent claimed that the Magpies made a last-gasp bid to nab Alli underneath the noses of Everton. However, they were too late to stop him moving to Goodison Park.
Fast forward almost four months and Newcastle are on the up, while the 26-year-old has failed to revitalise his career in the North West.
And now his time there could be coming to a premature end.
Dele Alli can reportedly leave Everton for £20million
According to the Sun, Everton may cash in on Alli this summer. They report that he can leave Goodison Park for £20million.
It sums up the shambolic move, as well as the financial state of the Toffees. They probably can’t afford to keep Alli, whose Merseyside move could end up costing Everton £40million if certain criteria is met.
One clause would see Everton pay Spurs £10million when he’s made 20 appearances. He currently has nine, including his debut which came against Newcastle.
That was a night to forget for Alli, who ended the game scuffling with Toon hero Joelinton.
His move to Everton has been an absolute disaster, and proof that Newcastle got lucky.
Newcastle got a lucky escape as Alli is put up for sale again
Howe brought in the right characters in January. Not every player was a superstar, but they had the right attitude for our situation.
That will be the blueprint for future deals at St James’ Park, as the club prepare for an exciting summer of wheeling and dealing.
But they would have made a transfer blunder had their deadline day bid for Alli been successful. He’s shown nothing at Everton to suggest that Newcastle missed out. He can’t even get in the team, which is worrying considering how bad Frank Lampard’s side have been.
Perhaps things might have been different for Alli had he moved to Newcastle. But that doesn’t matter.
Howe’s team have performed exceptionally without him, and there’s no chance they’ll make a fresh move for him this summer.
Everton want rid, and Newcastle will be thankful they failed to bring Alli to St James’ Park.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
