Cesc Fabregas lifts lid on Dele Alli signing as ex-England star offered career lifeline

Dele Alli has signed a contract with Serie A side Como after spending time training with the club having last played a competitive match in February 2023 while on loan at Besiktas

Dele Alli has signed an 18-month deal with Serie A side Como after spending time training with the side under head coach Cesc Fabregas.

The former Tottenham star has been without club since the summer but continued to train with Everton until December when he departed Finch Farm. Como offered an invitation for Dele to train with them and it appears he has done enough to persuade the side to offer him a contract.

The 28-year-old, who last played a competitive fixture in February 2023, has signed a deal until 2026, with an option in place to extend his stay in northern Italy for a further 12 months. Dele however is not expected to make an immediate impact despite formalising his position with Como.

The midfielder, who has endured a torrid time due to injury and off-field issues in recent years, is to be gradually integrated into the squad. The club plan to provide the MK Dons youth product with a ‘supportive environment’ in a bid to find his best form.

Their expectations for Dele will come off the pitch as well as on it. Como’s statement revealed that they do plan for the former Spurs ace to contribute with performances but also as a mentor for their young stars: Nico Paz, Alieu Fadera, Assane Diao, Maxence Caqueret, Máxi Perrone and Lucas Da Cunha.

Head Coach Fàbregas said: “The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad.”

Dele spent seven years at Tottenham before making the move to Everton. A tricky two-year spell saw him spend tim on loan at Besiktas.

The 37-cap England international was nevertheless grateful for the support he received off of Everton during his time at Goodison Park. In revealing his next steps, Dele expressed his thanks to the Toffees last month.

He wrote on Instagram: “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.”

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