
Cesc Fabregas (foto: Getty Images)
Dele Alli begins training with Como under Cesc Fàbregas as the former Spurs star attempts to reignite his football career after two years without an official match.
Dele Alli, once one of England’s brightest talents, has taken the first step toward reviving his career by joining Como for a trial under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas, the club’s head coach. The 28-year-old midfielder, without a team since leaving Everton in the summer of 2024, has not played an official match since February 2023.
Fàbregas, speaking ahead of Como’s Serie A clash with Lecce, confirmed Alli’s presence: “He’s training with us, and he’s doing well. For now, it’s just about helping him regain some fitness and positive feelings. He was a fantastic player. I faced him many times when I was at Chelsea, and I’m happy to try and help him find himself again.”
Dele Alli’s career has been in freefall since his peak years at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played 269 matches, scored 67 goals, and was part of the team that reached the 2019 Champions League final and finished runners-up in the 2021 League Cup.
Following his move to Everton in 2022, Alli’s form deteriorated further. A loan spell at Besiktas during the 2022-23 season saw him play just 15 games, with injuries and fitness issues keeping him sidelined. He left Everton without making a single appearance during the 2023-24 season.
Off the pitch, Alli has faced significant challenges. In 2023, he revealed harrowing details of his childhood, including experiences of sexual abuse, substance use starting at the age of 8, and growing up with an alcoholic mother. His openness about these struggles has shed light on the mental health issues that have contributed to his career setbacks.