English-Nigerian midfielder Dele Alli’s move to Wrexham cancelled

Dele Alli’s hopes of rebuilding his career at Wrexham have been dashed after manager Phil Parkinson confirmed that their final squad slot will go to another player.

The decision leaves the former Tottenham and England midfielder without a club following the cancellation of his contract with Serie A side Como earlier this summer.

Alli, who was born in England to a Nigerian father, had been strongly linked with the Hollywood-backed Welsh club after reports suggested Parkinson was keen to add him to Wrexham’s Championship squad.

The 28-year-old has endured a turbulent few years, leaving Everton in 2024 before a short stint at Como under Cesc Fabregas, who ultimately deemed him surplus to requirements despite Alli’s stated ambition to return to the England set-up ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Parkinson revealed last week that one spot remained open on Wrexham’s 25-man roster but has now confirmed that midfielder Ollie Rathbone is expected to fill the vacancy.

“I think Ollie is closing in,” Parkinson said. “I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive. His energy and his quality, I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us.”

Rathbone, who previously played for Rotherham, was instrumental in Wrexham’s promotion push last season but has been sidelined at the start of this campaign.

Wrexham sit 15th in the Championship after a mixed start to life at this level, and Parkinson appears convinced that Rathbone’s return offers more stability than gambling on Alli’s revival.

For Alli, capped 37 times by England, the collapse of the Wrexham move raises fresh questions about his future and whether his dream of an international comeback is now beyond reach.