Milton Keynes Dones manager Karl Robinson has revealed his ‘pride’ and ‘delight’ after youngster Dele Alli completed a deadline day move to Tottenham.
Alli who made debut as a 16-year-old signed a five-and-a-half year contract with Spurs, who paid an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £5 million and then immediately loaned him back to the Dons for the rest of this term.
The 18-year-old, has been with the Dons since the age of 10. He came through the clubs apprenticeship programme last summer and has been chased by a number of Premier League teams including Newcastle, who were thought to be in pole position to sign the player until yesterday.
With 12 goals to his name this term the youngster is the highest scoring midfielder across all four professional divisions in England.
Dons boss Robinson told the club’s official website: “We are immensely proud of Dele.
“He is one of many young and talented players to have progressed through the youth system here, which proves that the chairman’s vision of providing local children with a step into professional football is paying off.
“Over the past three years we have handed first-team debuts to Milton Keynes-based players such as George Williams and Brendan Galloway, who are both now playing at a higher level, as well as help the likes of Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo earn international recognition – Dele is the latest to follow in that path.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to re-sign Dele and keep him with us for the rest of the season. Hopefully both he and us can share some more moments that will last a lifetime, before he moves on.”
