Barnet boss Dean Brennan has opened the door for Dele Alli to train with the League Two leaders, insisting he would be “mad not to take him” if the former England midfielder wants a route back into football.
Dele, 30, has been using Barnet's training facilities to maintain his fitness as he searches for his next club after leaving Como last year.
Doors open at Barnet
Brennan revealed the doors are open for Dele to train with his squad and offered the midfielder the chance to use Barnet as a platform to rebuild his career.
“If I do a Harry Redknapp and pull him back in, like Paolo Di Canio, no issue whatsoever,” Brennan said.
“Everyone deserves a second chance in life. At our football club we have lots of lads that train with us that are out of contract and if Dele wants to come train with us the doors are open. He can use us to get fit and train with the group.”
The Barnet manager added: “He's going through a real tough time.”
Training video and Odisha FC link
Brennan was responding after Dele posted a video of him training at Barnet's facilities, where he has been working individually as he attempts to regain his sharpness.
And the latest job offer comes as Indian Super League team Odisha FC tweeted a GIF of Dele, prompting suggestions that the former England international could have already agreed his next move.
Career since leaving Spurs
The former Tottenham star has not played competitive football since March 2025, when he made his only appearance for Como and was sent off shortly after coming on against AC Milan. He subsequently left the Italian club by mutual consent.
Dele's career has fallen a long way from his Tottenham peak, when he won successive PFA Young Player of the Year awards and established himself as an England international. He has 37 England caps but has struggled with injuries and form since leaving Spurs for Everton in 2022.
Now, with his future still unresolved, Brennan believes Barnet could provide a route back. And with the Bees currently leading League Two, Alli has been offered an unexpected chance to train alongside a side competing at the sharp end of the EFL.
