Dele Alli’s football journey has taken another worrying turn. Once one of England’s brightest midfield prospects, he now finds himself without a club and fighting to save what’s left of his career. Former Tottenham defender Stephen Carr believes the 29-year-old may have reached a point where trial spells are his only remaining path back into professional football.

It’s a harsh reality, but one that reflects how drastically—almost unbelievably—Dele’s career has declined.

How Dele Became a Free Agent

Dele’s contract with Serie A side Como was terminated in September 2025 after a tough spell that saw him make just one appearance—an outing that lasted less than ten minutes and ended in a red card against AC Milan.

Before that, he struggled at Everton, where injuries and patchy form made it impossible to secure a regular place. His loan to Besiktas in early 2023 was supposed to revive his career, but instead marked the beginning of his long battle with inconsistency, fitness issues, and confidence.

For a player who once dominated Premier League midfields and shone on the international stage, the contrast is sobering.

Stephen Carr: “It’s Scary How He’s Fallen”

Speaking to GOAL, Carr didn’t mince words. His assessment was blunt but honest: Dele Alli’s chances are running out.

“It’s scary how he’s fallen. He’s only 29, just past his peak, but he hasn’t played anywhere near enough football,” Carr said.

Carr compared Dele’s situation to a player coming back from severe injury—training alone can’t replicate match rhythm, intensity, and sharpness. His body simply isn’t used to competing at the highest level anymore, and that gap is becoming harder to close.

Even worse, Carr fears Dele may now be more prone to injuries because he hasn’t played consistently for so long.

Trial Time: Dele May Not Get to Choose His Next Club

Carr believes Dele’s next opportunity—if he gets one—won’t come with fanfare or big-club anticipation. It will likely come in the form of a trial, where he must prove he still belongs in the professional ranks.

“Wherever he ends up, he isn’t going to get to pick. It could be a trial where you have to prove it. It’s whether he has the stomach for that,” Carr said.

Trials are humbling experiences, even for players who’ve never reached Dele’s highs. For someone who has played Champions League football, carried England’s hopes, and been one of Europe’s most exciting young players, the mental shift required will be enormous.

Does Dele Still Have the Hunger?

Clubs in the EFL—including Wrexham and Birmingham—have been loosely linked, but the bigger question isn’t about who wants him. It’s about whether Dele wants it badly enough.

According to Carr, this stage of his career will be less about talent and more about mental strength.

“You aren’t a top player on paper anymore. You have to prove yourself again,” he said. “Whether he is up to the task, who knows, but his chances are slim—very slim.”

At just 29, Dele still has time. But time without football can be as damaging as any injury. If he can swallow his pride, rebuild his fitness, and embrace the grind, his story might yet have one final chapter.

But if not, this could be the closing pages of one of English football’s most unexpected declines.

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Carlo Ancelotti has made one thing very clear: the 2026 World Cup will not be a tournament of reputations. Brazil’s head coach has warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior that they must be at “100 per cent” if they hope to make the final squad travelling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

It’s a firm message delivered at a sensitive time, especially for Neymar, who is still battling persistent injuries and an inconsistent spell since returning to Santos. For Vinicius, the warning comes as he struggles to find his full form at Real Madrid this season.

Neymar’s injury struggles continue

After returning to Santos in early 2025 with hopes of reviving both his career and the club’s fortunes, Neymar has found himself in a frustrating cycle of recovery and setbacks. His long ACL layoff after leaving PSG, followed by fitness troubles at Al-Hilal, has meant very little sustained playing time.

His second spell at Santos was expected to be his emotional comeback story, but instead, it has been filled with knee discomfort, match-to-match uncertainty, and only flashes of his old brilliance. Seven goals in 25 games tell the story of a player trying, but physically unable, to build the rhythm he once had so effortlessly.

Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda confirmed that Neymar was again sidelined due to knee discomfort during their recent draw with Internacional. Even so, the forward fought through pain in their 3–0 win against Sport, helping the club climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Ancelotti: “No player gets special treatment”

When asked directly about Neymar’s situation, Ancelotti didn’t offer any emotional cushioning. His message was simple: Brazil has too much talent to carry anyone operating below full fitness.

“He has to be 100%,” Ancelotti told Esporte Record. “It’s not just Neymar — it could be Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I’ll call another player who is at 100%. This team has a very high level of competition, especially up front.”

He praised Neymar’s brilliance but pointed to the reality of his career: injuries have repeatedly halted his progress at the worst possible moments.

Neymar responds with determination

Despite the setbacks, Neymar remains defiant. After Santos’ victory over Sport, he admitted that the injuries have been emotionally exhausting, but insisted he won’t give up.

“I’m feeling better and better,” he said. “This injury is sad and annoying, but it won’t stop me. My focus now is helping Santos stay where it belongs — in the top flight. After that, we’ll see what’s next.”

Brazil’s road to 2026 just got more competitive

For Ancelotti, the message is clear: only the best, fully fit players will represent Brazil on the biggest stage. For Neymar and Vinicius, the challenge is equally clear — recover fully, perform consistently, and prove they belong in a squad full of hungry, in-form challengers.

The race to 2026 has officially begun.

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Newcastle United are reportedly gearing up to make another move for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi as speculation around the Italian star’s future intensifies. The Magpies wanted him last summer, but internal changes at Inter — including the exit of Simone Inzaghi — kept Frattesi in Milan. Months later, his playing time has dropped dramatically, and the door to a Premier League switch may now be wide open.

Inter Exit Looking Increasingly Likely

According to multiple Italian outlets, Frattesi has barely cracked 200 Serie A minutes this season — a worrying sign for a player who was once considered untouchable. Under new boss Cristian Chivu, he has slipped behind Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski in the midfield hierarchy.

Reports now claim a January exit is “very likely.” Inter rejected Newcastle’s initial approach in the summer, but with the player’s situation deteriorating, the Magpies could revisit the deal heading into 2026.

Howe Not Giving Much Away… But The Need Is Clear

Back in August, Eddie Howe openly admitted the club needed another midfielder due to injuries to Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.

“We want six midfielders and now we are down to four,” Howe said at the time. “It is a position we are looking at.”

Newcastle eventually signed Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but with a long season ahead — and their PSR constraints limiting flashy deals — Howe may look toward strategic signings like Frattesi rather than blockbuster transfers.

The Newcastle manager also shut down talk of re-signing Elliot Anderson, noting that PSR remains a major factor:

“We can’t let one transfer unbalance the financial situation.”

Frattesi Still Shining For Italy

Despite limited club action, Frattesi remains in Roberto Mancini’s Italy setup and recently featured in their 4-1 loss to Norway during World Cup qualifying.

Speaking after the match, he acknowledged the team’s mental struggles:

“It was two games in one. In the first half, there was only one team on the pitch. In the second, we were fragile… Explaining 4-1 is difficult, but I wouldn’t call it humiliation.”

Italy now face a tense playoff route to the 2026 World Cup — and Frattesi’s future could play a major role in his national team form.

Will Newcastle Make Their Move?

If Inter make him available, Newcastle will be among the first in line. Howe wants depth, Frattesi wants minutes, and Inter want financial balance — the ingredients for a winter transfer that could benefit all sides.

A bid may be coming sooner than expected.

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