Former England and Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli has had a troubled time since leaving White Hart Lane for Everton in January 2022. The 28-year-old has been a free agent since departing Goodison Park in the summer and is still without a club, but could that be about to change?
According to Fabrizio Romano, Serie A side Como, who are managed by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, have offered the midfielder an opportunity to train with them over the festive period. However, a contract is not a guarantee, as he will have to prove that his fitness issues are behind him and show his undoubted quality to join Como permanently.
Following Como’s 2-0 win over AS Roma on Sunday, Fabregas was asked about a potential move for the former Spurs star but remained tight-lipped, saying, “Let’s see. It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more. For now, we must enjoy this night. We must talk about Como, Gabrielloni and the lads. This is the most important thing.” Dele was spotted in the crowd amongst other celebrities for Sunday’s game.
Life After Spurs
When Alli moved to Spurs in 2015, it did not take long for him to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best players. In his first season in the top flight, he netted ten goals and was named PFA Young Player of the Year. However, since departing Spurs in 2022, Alli has struggled for game time and has only made 28 appearances across spells at Everton and Besiktas. A combination of off-field issues and injury struggles have meant he hasn’t featured in a competitive fixture since February 2023.
Despite this, Alli is determined to get back to playing and has even challenged himself to get back to his former best in time for the 2026 World Cup.
“You know you can set reminders on your phone; I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now. ” – Dele Alli talks to talksport about World Cup aspirations
Would Como be a good fit?
Como returned to Italy’s top flight last season and currently find themselves in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone, as they look to survive in their first season back in Serie A for 21 years. The Biancoblu enjoyed an impressive victory over Claudio Ranieri’s AS Roma side in their last game, where Dele Alli was in attendance. If Alli can prove himself while training with Fabregas’ side and return to his previous form, it would be a beneficial move for both parties. There is no doubt that Alli has an unbelievable amount of talent at his disposal and, when fit, certainly has the quality that can be the difference between winning and losing. As survival will be the aim for Como this season, a player of Alli’s quality could prove to be a game changer, and, as seen with the redemption of Moise Kean this season, Serie A can be a good place to regain form. If the former Tottenham man can emulate Kean’s form this season, then Como will undoubtedly have a fantastic player in their squad, resulting in a much better chance of survival. It would be fantastic to see Dele Alli enjoying his football again, and it would certainly be one of football’s feel-good stories.