"I just want to be happy playing football. Working with [Frank] Lampard, and the great players Everton have got, is a great opportunity for me to do that. I'm excited to go there, show the fans what I can do, and help the club as much as I can."
Those were some of Dele Alli's first words after his transfer deadline day move to the Blues. It was a transfer that came amid a day of upheaval at Everton - a day in which Lampard was appointed the new manager and Donny van de Beek joined on loan from Manchester United.
Just under seven months later, Dele is on his way to play in the Turkish Super Lig with Besiktas. Whether he found any happiness on Merseyside is unclear. Had he displayed the full extent of his undeniable quality his departure would not have been sanctioned. But he did help the club in its hour of need. His time as a Blue cannot be deemed a success but, as his exit is discussed, debated and dissected, that should be recognised.
