Dele Alli has announced that he is leaving Everton next month as a disappointing two-year stay is set to come to an end. He spent last season on loan at Besiktas in Turkey but has been unable to reignite his career after fizzling out at Tottenham.
Still only 28, Dele is yet to play this season and has decided to move on from Goodison Park. He has teased his next club with the expectation that he will be joining Cesc Fabregas in Serie A at the heavily backed Como FC.
Dele was seen in the crowd at Como earlier this week. Managed by Fabregas, the Italian side boast a host of recognisable names including Sergi Roberto, Andrea Belotti, Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno, and Simone Verdi. Raphael Varane moved to Como before announcing his retirement from football just months later.
In a statement released on Friday, Dele wrote: "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."
Dele posted his statement on Instagram, adding, "Thank you @everton [blue heart emoji]". Tottenham forward Richarlison is among those to have replied.
Despite signing two years ago with the Merseyside club, Dele only played 13 times and failed to score. Over the summer he remained at Everton's Finch Farm training ground to maintain fitness with director of football Kevin Thelwell explaining, "Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year."
Thelwell added: "Both Sean [Dyche] and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”
He managed three goals whilst away with Besiktas on loan but has spent much of 2024 not playing. The former England regular left Tottenham after struggling for form under Antonio Conte. He hasn't represented the national side since 2019, when he was used in the Nations League final campaign under Gareth Southgate.
Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.
Want breaking and top Tottenham stories sent straight to you? Join our Spurs WhatsApp community by clicking this link. If you're curious you can check out our privacy policy here.