- Dele takes trip to Japan
- Everton contract to expire shortly
- Midfielder’s future remains uncertain
WHAT HAPPENED?
The midfielder has shared photographs of a trip to Japan with girlfriend Cindy Kimberly after a Premier League season which has seen him sidelined for the entire campaign due to injury. Dele’s future is currently unclear as his contract with Everton is set to expire at the end of the month.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Everton said in May that Dele would stay with the club to continue his recovery from a groin injury even though he will be out of contract at the end of June. Dele has not played at all since February 2023 and has only managed 13 appearances in all competitions since joining the Toffees. The 28-year-old has been advised to “step down a league or two” to get his career back on track but it still remains to be seen when he will be ready to resume playing.
WHAT EVERTON HAVE SAID
Director of football Kevin Thelwell said in May: “Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.
“Both Sean and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”
WHAT NEXT FOR DELE
Dele may well generate plenty of interest if he does move on from Everton as a free agent in the summer. The midfielder has previously said he wants to stay in the Premier League and has even set himself a personal goal of trying to make the England squad for World Cup 2026.
