Dele Alli is set for an emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur, with the free-agent midfielder scheduled to make a special appearance at his former club while continuing the search for his next move.
The 29-year-old, who previously represented England at senior level, is currently without a team after parting ways with Como 1907. Alli will attend the highly anticipated north London derby against Arsenal as a guest of Spurs on Sunday.
Alli remains a hugely popular figure among Tottenham supporters following his memorable spell in north London. After joining the club from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice.
During seven seasons in Lilywhite, the attacking midfielder scored 67 goals in 269 appearances and earned 37 caps for England. He later moved to Everton in 2022 but has struggled for consistent form and fitness in recent years.
Tottenham confirmed that Alli will be welcomed back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where fans are expected to celebrate a player who remains a modern-era favourite. Supporters will have the chance to greet him at half-time during the derby.
Despite the warm reception awaiting him in north London, Alli faces an uncertain future. He has been a free agent since his release by Como in September 2025, where he made just one substitute appearance that ended in a red card.
Former Spurs defender Stephen Carr has warned that the midfielder may need to prove himself on trial to secure another contract, noting that his limited game time over the past three years has made a comeback increasingly difficult.
Alli has continued to work on his fitness individually and remains hopeful of earning another opportunity, with interest reportedly emerging from clubs in both the United Kingdom and Spain.
