Dele Alli has been backed to revive his career in English football as the former Tottenham midfielder attempts to impress while training with West Ham United.
The 30-year-old is currently a free agent and has been working with Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad as he searches for a route back into competitive football.
ReadWestHam revealed on Friday that Dele is training with West Ham, with no contract currently agreed between the two parties.
Former MK Dons and Salford City manager Karl Robinson has now offered encouragement over the midfielder’s prospects.
Dele Alli West Ham opportunity backed by former manager
Robinson, who worked with Dele during the early stages of his career at MK Dons, believes there is still plenty of ability left in the former England international.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Dele’s attempt to return to football, Robinson described him as “still a talent” and said the midfielder has reached an important moment in his career.
The pair also spoke recently during pre-season in Marbella.
Dele has not played a competitive match since March 2025, when his only appearance for Como ended with a red card shortly after coming on against AC Milan.
That lengthy absence means West Ham are unlikely to rush any decision.
Nuno can instead assess Dele’s fitness, sharpness and ability to cope with the demands of first-team training before deciding whether there is a place for him during a Championship promotion campaign.
A successful trial would offer West Ham a potentially intriguing option.
At his peak, Dele scored 67 goals in 269 appearances for Tottenham and won 37 England caps. He is also familiar with English football despite never previously playing in the Championship.
For now, there is no guarantee that training with West Ham will lead to a contract.
Robinson’s comments do underline the opportunity in front of him, though.
After several difficult years away from regular football, Dele has another chance to show that he can still contribute at a high level.
