Dele Alli joins Como on 18-month deal in return to football
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Dele Alli has joined Serie A side Como on an 18-month contract. The former Tottenham midfielder has not played competitively since the 2023 after a lengthy lay-off due to injury, addiction and mental health problems, but will link up with the Serie A club managed by Cesc Fabregas.
Alli, who became a free agent last summer but continued to train with old side Everton, recently completed a successful trial at Como and has earned himself a deal in Italy until summer 2026, with the option for a further year. Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Spain midfielder Fabregas 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.". Como are 17th in Serie A and set to host Udinese on Monday night, but the prospect of a debut for Alli remains up in the air. Alli has not played competitively since a loan stint at Besitkas during the 2022-23 season, which was cut short due to a hip injury after a 45-minute appearance against Antalyaspor on February 26, 2023.
A further groin issue meant he failed to feature for Everton last season, but the former England international was involved in a searingly honest interview with Gary Neville on his podcast The Overlap during the summer of 2023. During an emotional episode, Alli revealed he had been sexually abused as a child and discussed in detail his time in rehabilitation following sleeping pill addiction and mental health problems.
