Karl Robinson has revealed he invited Dele Alli to Salford City during a gym encounter in June, offering his former MK Dons player a possible route back into football.
The 30-year-old remains without a club after leaving Como in September 2025. Robinson’s account brings a potential League Two comeback into focus, although there is no confirmed move to Salford.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Robinson recalled: “I saw him in the gym in June, and I told him to come to Salford.”
The coach’s connection with Dele stretches back to the midfielder’s breakthrough at MK Dons. Robinson gave him his senior debut at 16 and oversaw the development that helped earn him a move to Tottenham in 2015.
Robinson offers support to his former player
Robinson said he would welcome the opportunity to work with Dele again wherever his next job takes him. He also put the player’s wellbeing ahead of any discussion about what level he could play at.
His invitation dates back to June, rather than a new approach from Salford’s current management. Robinson has since left the club, so the comments do not establish that a contract is available now.
He also imagined how Dele might have reacted to the suggestion. That was Robinson’s interpretation, rather than a response directly confirmed by the player.
For a footballer who scored 67 goals in 269 Tottenham appearances and twice won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, a return in the fourth tier would be a striking change. It could also offer the regular football that has been missing from his recent career.
Manchester United comments were about self-belief
Robinson used Manchester United as an example when discussing the confidence he associates with top players. His view was that Dele would still back himself to influence a team playing at that level.
There is no suggestion in those comments that United have approached Dele. The point was about the midfielder’s belief in his ability, rather than a transfer link.
Dele’s last competitive appearance came for Como in March 2025. Since then, his search for a return has included training at Barnet’s facilities and being pictured working with Windsor & Eton, as reported by talkSPORT.
Earlier Twitch calls brought familiar faces back together
Dele has also been appearing on Twitch while away from competitive football. The footage below, shared on 9 October, features a conversation with Riyad Mahrez.
Dele Alli speaking to Riyad Mahrez on Twitch — footage shared on 9 October 2026
A separate phone call with former Tottenham teammate Harry Kane was covered by talkSPORT on 5 October. Kane checked on Dele and offered encouragement as he worked towards a comeback.
Reacting to that earlier call, Ally McCoist expressed sadness that a player of Dele’s talent was still without a club. He also stressed that the midfielder’s wellbeing mattered more than returning to the top level.
Robinson’s latest comments carry a similar message: he wants to help a player he knows well get back into football. Whether that produces another opportunity remains to be seen.
Sources
- talkSPORT: Robinson’s Salford invitation, 20 October 2026
- Yahoo Sports: Dele’s search for a return
- OneFootball: Robinson’s comments about Dele’s self-belief
- talkSPORT: Kane call and McCoist’s reaction, 5 October 2026
- Earlier Dele–Mahrez Twitch footage, shared on 9 October 2026
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