Dele Alli is set to sign an 18-month contract with Italian side Como as he bids to kickstart his career once again.
Dele has been dogged by injuries over the past few years and, remarkably, has not played a competitive match since February 26, 2023, when he turned out for Besiktas in a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor. The 28-year-old midfielder joined Everton from Tottenham in January 2022 but made just 13 appearances for his new club, who released him last summer.
He stayed on at Finch Farm to train with Everton before being handed a fresh start with Como, who invited him to train with them in December. The Italian side are managed by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who has now decided to formalise the relationship with a contract.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Dele has agreed to sign a contract until June 2026, with the option of a further year, should things go to plan. Como are 16th in their first season back in Serie A, one point above the relegation zone – a similar situation to the one Dele has left behind at Everton.
Dele explained his decision to move to northern Italy last month in a post on Instagram. He wrote: “As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities.
“Before any of that happens it’s very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me. It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.
“Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it is the right time for me to turn a new page. I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again very soon.”
Dele enjoyed the best years of his career at Tottenham, where he contributed 67 goals and 61 assists in 269 appearances over seven years. He thrived under the management of Mauricio Pochettino and was a key player for England at the 2018 World Cup.
But after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho, he moved to Everton on a performance-related contract, which could have reached £40million, had all the clauses been met. It didn’t work out under Frank Lampard and Everton cut their losses, loaning him out to Besiktas, where he managed three goals in 15 appearances before injury struck once again.
Dele has been open about his off-the-pitch struggles in recent years and underwent a stint in rehab to deal with his addiction to sleeping pills. It is hoped that after a difficult few years, he can find a new home to play his football in Como.