Dele captured the hearts of the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase during his spell in North London, joining in a bargain £5m transfer from MK Dons in the summer of 2015.
No supporter could’ve imagined the immediate impact he would have on the first-team, racking up 269 appearances - netting 67 goals, with 22 of which coming back in 2016/17.
The Englishman won the PFA Young Player of the Year back-to-back, but his time at the club would come to an abrupt end - falling down the pecking order after scoring 14 times in his final three years at the club.
In an attempt to resurrect his career, he joined Como back in January, but only featured once - for a total of 10 minutes - subsequently departing Cesc Fàbregas’ side during the off-season.
There’s no denying the attacking midfielder failed to live up to the early expectations he once had in his professional career - potentially landing a similar player before the September 1st deadline.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacker this summer
Xavi Simons has been a player who has emerged on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of days, with the Lilywhites hierarchy even entering talks with the German side over a £60m transfer.
Chelsea have been said to be leading the race over recent weeks, but Thomas Frank’s side could complete their own hijack for the Dutch international’s signature in the coming days.
However, he’s not the only attacker who’s emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Manchester United bomb squad member Jadon Sancho a potential option, according to TBR Football.
Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that the Lilywhites have "been offered" a last-minute deal for the Englishman, who looks certain to depart the Red Devils having initially cost them £73m.
It also states Frank’s side are desperate for a left-winger before Monday’s deadline, potentially targeting a move for the 25-year-old, who scored five times on loan at Chelsea in 2024/25.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Dele 2.0
Had his career continued on the same trajectory, Dele would still have been a key member of the Spurs squad, subsequently entering the prime years of his career.
At 29, he should be thriving in the Premier League, but unfortunately, off-field events have prevented the former England international from kicking on his career.
He spoke openly about his personal life two years ago, allowing the supporters to gain an insight into his struggles - with sympathy undoubtedly being directed the midfielder’s way.
Ultimately, despite his excellent start to his career, it’s safe to say the player never managed to fulfil the potential he burst onto the scene with - something which is also evident with Sancho and his own career.
The winger thrived at Borussia Dortmund, making over 120 appearances for the Bundesliga side, before completing a £72m switch to join Manchester United back in the summer of 2021.
He’s only made 83 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just 12 times and failing to match the high expectations he arrived at Old Trafford with - leading to his pending departure this summer.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost, but the stats from his loan spell at Stamford Bridge showcase he does still possess top-quality talent, with Frank needing to unlock such talent if he joins the Lilywhites.
Sancho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Joe Cole, ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive carries (5.1) and 91st percentile for carries into the opposition’s box per 90 (2.9).
Such numbers highlight the threat the former Dortmund star possesses in attacking areas, showcasing his ability to drive forward with the ball at any given opportunity.
He also completed 2.3 take-ons per 90, at a success rate of 46% - further offering Frank’s side an added dimension within the final third for his first campaign in the role.
The winger has also been able to find a teammate consistently, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, subsequently ranking in the 93rd percentile for passes into the opposition box - which could provide those around him with key opportunities in front of goal.
There’s no denying that Sancho won’t be many of the supporters’ first choice between now and the end of the window, but it could be an excellent option if he can recapture his best form.
It’s unclear how much a deal would set the Spurs hierarchy back this summer, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking - with the upside massively outweighing the potential drawbacks.