Dele Alli will look to reignite his footballing career in Italy after penning an 18-month contract with Serie A outfit Como.
The ex-Tottenham midfielder has been out of competitive action since 2023, but is now poised to join the Italian side managed by Cesc Fabregas.
Despite becoming a free agent last summer, Alli kept up his fitness levels by training with former club Everton and recently impressed during a trial at Como, securing himself a deal until summer 2026, with the option to extend for another year.
Fabregas, the former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spain playmaker, praised Alli, saying: “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.”
Currently, Como sit 17th in Serie A and are gearing up to welcome Udinese on Monday night, though it’s uncertain if Alli will make his debut.
His last competitive match came during a loan spell at Besiktas in the 2022-23 season, which ended prematurely due to a hip injury after playing just 45 minutes against Antalyaspor on February 26, 2023. A subsequent groin problem prevented him from playing for Everton last term.
It has been an extremely difficult few years for Alli, who also opened up during a candid interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast over the summer of 2023.
During a very emotional interview, Alli revealed that he had been sexually abused as a child and openly discussed his time in rehabilitation after becoming addicted to sleeping pills and battling with mental health issues.
He then said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football in April 2024 that he was “overwhelmed” by the support he received after the heartfelt interview, sharing that he’s finally beginning to “see the light”.
Now set to be under the guidance of former on-field adversary Fabregas, who took over as head coach of the Djarum Group-owned club last year, Alli will be hoping to get his career back on track after a torrid few years.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk