Dele Alli is close to signing an 18-month contract with Italian side Como as he attempts to restart his career.
Dele has been plagued by injuries in recent years and has remarkably not played a competitive match since February 26, 2023, when he featured for Besiktas in a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor. The 28-year-old midfielder joined from Tottenham in January 2022, but played just thirteen games for his new club, who fired him last summer.
He stayed at Finch Farm to train with Everton before getting a fresh start with Como, who invited him to train with them in December. The Italian team is managed by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who has now decided to formalize the relationship with a contract.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Dele has agreed to a contract until June 2026, with the option of a further year, if all goes according to plan. Como are 16th in their first season back in Serie A, one point above the relegation zone – a similar situation to what Dele left at Everton.
Dele explained his decision to move to northern Italy in a post on Instagram last month. He wrote: “As widely publicized this week, 2025 could set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities.
“Before all this happens, it is very important for me to make it clear how grateful I am to all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me. It has been an incredibly tough journey putting the final pieces together to get back to match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.
“Unfortunately, things have not turned out as we all hoped and I think this is the right time for me to turn a new leaf. I would like to wish everyone at this great club the best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon.”
Dele enjoyed the best years of his career at Tottenham, where he contributed 67 goals and 61 assists in 269 appearances in seven years. He flourished under Mauricio Pochettino and was a key player for England at the 2018 World Cup.
But after falling out of favor under Jose Mourinho, he moved to Everton on a performance-related contract, which could have been worth £40 million if all clauses were met. It didn't work under Frank Lampard and Everton cut his losses by loaning him to Besiktas, where he scored three goals in 15 games before injury struck again.
Dele has been open about his off-field struggles in recent years and spent time in rehab to kick his sleeping pill addiction. It is hoped that after a few difficult years he can find a new home to play football in Como.
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