Dele Alli has confirmed that he will be leaving Everton for "exciting opportunities" elsewhere, with the ex-Tottenham star expected to join Como.
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Ex-England international now a free agentBeing offered a fresh start in ItalyHoping to avoid more injury strugglesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?
The former England international was spotted in the stands, alongside Hollywood stars such as Kiera Knightley and Michael Fassbender, when Como played host to Roma on December 15. It was later confirmed that Dele has been invited to train with the Serie A outfit.
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One-time Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is now in charge of Como and knows all about Dele’s ability from his time in the Premier League. He is ready to offer the injury-ravaged 28-year-old a fresh start after seeing him become a free agent.
WHAT DELE SAID
Dele has been training with Everton since seeing his contract at Goodison Park expire, but has now posted on social media: "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’s 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 soon."
WHAT NEXT?
It remains to be seen what kind of deal Como put to Dele, as he has not played a competitive game of any kind since February 2023. He will need to prove his worth, as well as his appetite to succeed, in order to get his once promising career back on track.