---
title: "Southampton: Saints were interested in signing Dele Alli"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-interest-dele-alli-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2022-02-02T07:45:53Z"
modified: "2022-02-02T07:45:53Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints were interested in signing Dele Alli

**Southampton had ‘shown an interest’ in former Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli on transfer deadline day, according to a report by [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/01/31/transfer-news-deadline-day-2022-live-latest-premier-league/).**

### The Lowdown: Dele’s January transfer fiasco

January saw many rumours arise as to where Alli would end up following the closure of the transfer window. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to [Newcastle United](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1558778/Newcastle-transfer-news-Dele-Alli-hijack-Everton-Tottenham-deadline-day), who set to work building their new squad following unprecedented Saudi investment.

Despite being the most prominent rumour, they were not the only Premier League club linked with a late move for the midfielder. [Crystal Palace](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1488120366300110851) were also said to be interested in the former England international and were hoping to complete a loan deal until the end of the season.

Deadline day also saw prominent interest emerge from overseas. [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3100555/2022/01/31/who-is-moving-who-is-staying-david-ornsteins-transfer-deadline-day-lowdown/) reported that La Liga side Valencia were interested in signing the 25-year-old on loan, with the Spanish club heavily considering this proposition.

However, it was [Everton](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2468642/dele-alli-signs-for-everton) who ultimately secured the midfielder’s services on a permanent deal. The two clubs agreed on an [initial free transfer](https://twitter.com/Matt_Law_DT/status/1488175730093658114), with the Toffees paying £10m once he plays 20 games, with further performance-related add-ons potentially totalling up to £40m.

### The Latest: Alli’s wages were ‘an issue’ for Saints

With Saints manager [Ralph Hasenhuttl](https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/dele-alli-transfer-deadline-southampton-6575273) previously quoted saying that “everyone wants a Dele Alli”, it comes as no surprise that [Southampton](https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/dele-alli-transfer-deadline-southampton-6575273) were interested in signing the midfielder.

However, [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/01/31/transfer-news-deadline-day-2022-live-latest-premier-league/) have reported that whilst Saints had ‘shown an interest in Alli’, his wages – which were in excess of £100,000 per week – had ‘proven to be an issue’ for the club.

### The Verdict: Wasted opportunity

Once lauded “good enough for Real Madrid” by Brazilian legend [Roberto Carlos](https://www.eurosport.com/football/dele-alli-is-undoubtedly-good-enough-for-real-madrid-roberto-carlos_sto6151383/story.shtml), it seems ridiculous that Southampton would not have gone in for the Spurs playmaker. This sits particularly true as his Everton transfer has been agreed to be [initially free](https://twitter.com/Matt_Law_DT/status/1488175730093658114), with a £10m fee following clauses being met.

Alli could have been of real use to Hasenhuttl, as he would’ve bolstered the Saints’ attacking options with [proven Premier League quality](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dele-alli/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/207929). Therefore, if Southampton want to push higher up the table, the club will need to be willing to meet high wage demands if they truly want to attract Europe’s top talent.

***In other news: [Southampton are still in talks over a possible deal for this sharp-shooter](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-transfer-rumours/southampton-still-in-talks-with-chelsea-over-armando-broja/)***