Could be their new Dele: Spurs start talks to sign “unbelievable” £43m star

Tottenham Hotspur Eyeing Dele Alli-like Talent in Summer Transfer Hunt

Over the past 15 years, Tottenham Hotspur have seen their fair share of remarkable talent grace the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Although silverware has remained elusive for much of that period, a number of standout players have left an indelible mark on both the club and the Premier League as a whole.

Names like Harry Kane, Mousa Dembélé, Jan Vertonghen, and Christian Eriksen immediately come to mind when reflecting on Spurs’ modern greats. While none of them managed to lift a major trophy during their time in North London, their consistent brilliance helped elevate Tottenham into regular contenders both domestically and in Europe.

Among that golden era of Spurs talent, one player who burned particularly brightly—at least for a time—was Dele Alli. At his peak, Dele was one of the most exciting and dynamic attacking midfielders in England. During the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, the Englishman delivered an astonishing 35 goal involvements, showcasing his unique blend of flair, intelligence, and finishing prowess. That kind of impact left fans with high expectations for what the future could hold.

Now, as Spurs look to strengthen ahead of a return to the UEFA Champions League, reports have emerged linking the club to a player who, during his own rise to prominence, drew comparisons to Dele Alli himself.

Tottenham’s Summer Transfer Activity

Before diving into the specifics of the latest reported target, it’s worth noting the broader context of Tottenham’s summer transfer plans. Manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to be backed with reinforcements as Spurs prepare for a season that includes the return of top-tier European football. Among the players linked to the club in recent months are Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané and former Manchester United academy graduate Angel Gomes.

Sané, who is set to be out of contract soon, could represent a clever piece of business on a free transfer. The German international has impressed this season with 13 goals and six assists in just 2,376 minutes of action across 45 appearances. His pace, dribbling, and ability to break open defences would add a new dimension to Postecoglou’s attack.

Similarly, Angel Gomes is also reportedly on Tottenham’s radar, with his contract situation making him another potential free-agent acquisition. Having already made four appearances for the senior England team and amassed over 130 games for French side LOSC Lille, Gomes is beginning to realise the potential many saw in him during his time at Manchester United.

However, neither Sané nor Gomes have been likened to Dele Alli in terms of playing style or impact. That distinction belongs to another English star—Jack Grealish.

Spurs Exploring Grealish Move

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. The report suggests that preliminary discussions have already begun between Spurs and the player’s representatives as the club “explores the possibility” of bringing the former Aston Villa captain to North London this summer.

Intriguingly, Grealish is said to be open to a move, a shift possibly influenced by Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League—a key factor for top-tier players. However, any deal would not come cheap. Manchester City reportedly value Grealish at around £43 million, a figure that reflects both his ability and his high-profile status.

While such a fee might give Spurs pause, it’s worth considering what Grealish could bring to Postecoglou’s side. His creative instincts, close control, and fearlessness on the ball echo the kind of swagger Dele Alli once brought to Tottenham’s midfield. If anything, Grealish’s experience with both City and the England national team could give him the edge needed to thrive under the pressure of delivering consistent results.

Grealish and Dele: Drawing the Comparison

The comparison between Jack Grealish and Dele Alli isn’t just speculative; it has roots going back several years. In 2018, former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie noted similarities between the two players. Both rose to prominence at a young age, brought a certain flair and unpredictability to their play, and thrived when given the freedom to express themselves in attacking roles.

At his best, Grealish combines the guile and creativity of a traditional playmaker with the willingness to take risks in the final third—traits that made Dele so effective during his breakout seasons at Spurs. Grealish’s ability to draw defenders, win fouls, and unlock defences with clever passes or incisive dribbles would make him a valuable asset for Tottenham, especially in games where tight margins matter.

A Potential Masterstroke?

For Tottenham, the potential acquisition of Jack Grealish could signal more than just a marquee signing—it could be the kind of high-impact move that shifts the narrative around the club’s ambitions. With Ange Postecoglou keen to build a side capable of challenging on multiple fronts, Grealish might just be the creative spark needed to reignite that attacking magic Spurs fans once saw in Dele Alli.

While no deal is close yet, the idea of Grealish donning the white shirt in N17 is an exciting one. If Tottenham can secure his services, it might not only bring a proven Premier League performer into the fold but also rekindle memories of the club’s recent past—and maybe, just maybe, offer a glimpse of a brighter future.