‘I called Frank’ – Redknapp reveals he played role in ‘disaster’ Tottenham to Everton transfer

Harry Redknapp has revealed that he advised Everton manager Frank Lampard to sign Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year.

The midfielder’s career has been on the decline for a couple of years now as he has seemingly lost his love for football.

Ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho attempted to inspire him to refind his past form, but this ultimately fell on deaf ears.

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Alli was afforded a fresh start during the winter transfer window earlier this year as he was one of Lampard’s first signings at Everton.

His critics were not silenced last term though as his struggles continued in an Everton shirt.

The Toffees ended up doing enough to stay in the Premier League, but this was no thanks to Alli who may as well have not been there.

This is a shame to see, as Alli has immense natural ability and there was a time when he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Everton shipped him out on loan to Besiktas before the summer transfer window closed. The Turkish side have the option to sign him permanently for £6m in January.

Redknapp has now stated that he felt Lampard could “get him going” again and that this move could have given Alli “a big lift”:

“I called Frank and said, ‘take the chance on Dele Alli. He’s got fantastic ability and you can get him going’,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.

“Going to a big club like Everton could give him a big lift and Frank said he was down the road already and I said, ‘brilliant, I think he’ll be great for you’.

“He was a disaster, a disaster. I watched him play and he loses the ball, he walks and doesn’t run, I don’t know what’s happened to him.”

Redknapp continued: “I’ve had more arguments and stuck up for him more than anyone but Frank took a gamble on him and it backfired badly and now he’s shipped off to Turkey.

“He was playing for England a few years ago and was one of the best midfield players anywhere.

“He could have gone to Man United, to Liverpool, to Man City or played for anybody during that time at Tottenham, but he’s lost it. He’s lost that hunger.

“Can he get it back? Why didn’t he get it back at Everton? He’s running out of options I’m afraid.”