Dele Alli’s journey continues with a move to Serie A side Como, marking a significant moment in the 28-year-old’s career after a challenging period in English football. As Jason Burt in The Telegraph reported, Alli’s decision to leave Everton and embrace a new challenge in Italy signals a potential turning point.
Revival Hopes Under Cesc Fàbregas
Alli’s decision to join Como, a club coached by former Chelsea and Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas, reflects a calculated move towards a less physically demanding but technically rich league. Como’s sporting director, Carlalberto Ludi, explained the initial arrangement: “We need a few weeks, including time to get to know each other, then we’ll make the best decision. A percentage? It’s too early to say. We’ll go through a period of mutual understanding, but Fàbregas likes him a lot.”
Fàbregas’s influence is already apparent, with Alli reportedly enthusiastic about working with the Spanish tactician. His presence offers a chance for the former England international to rediscover his rhythm, something he struggled to achieve during recent stints at Everton and Besiktas.
Breaking Free from Everton
Alli’s departure from Everton closes a chapter fraught with setbacks. His contract expired in July 2024, but the club allowed him to train as he worked his way back from a long-term thigh injury. Everton had considered re-signing him on a one-year deal, contingent on his fitness, but ultimately, both parties agreed a fresh start was necessary.
Reflecting on his time at Goodison Park, Alli expressed gratitude, acknowledging their unwavering support during his difficult recovery. He stated in a heartfelt social media post, “It’s time to turn a new page.” Sean Dyche, Everton’s current manager, also spoke highly of Alli, saying: “The major point that we agreed, as a collective, was to get him back to a good place and I think he is there. Onto a new challenge [for him], but we certainly wish him well.”
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Why Serie A Could Suit Alli
For Alli, Como’s environment may provide the ideal backdrop to reignite his career. After years plagued by injuries and a difficult loan spell at Besiktas, Italy’s more technical approach to football could play to his strengths. His return to fitness comes at a time when he needs consistent playing time and a supportive setup.
The move also highlights the allure of Serie A for players seeking to prolong their careers in a less physically demanding league. With Fàbregas’s tactical expertise and Como’s ambitions, Alli has a golden opportunity to reset his trajectory.
Everton Fans React to Alli’s Journey
The saga of Dele Alli has been one of highs and lows, from his breakout at Tottenham Hotspur to his struggles at Everton. While his exit marks the end of a tumultuous chapter, there remains hope among supporters that he can fulfil his potential.
Everton fans will likely view Alli’s move with mixed emotions. On the one hand, his departure symbolises unfulfilled promise during his time at Goodison Park. On the other hand, the goodwill extended by fans reflects an understanding of his struggles and a desire to see him succeed elsewhere.
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From an Everton fan’s perspective, Dele Alli’s move to Como is bittersweet. When he joined Everton in January 2022, there was genuine excitement about what he could bring. His ability to turn a game on its head, as seen during his Tottenham days, was something the club desperately needed. Unfortunately, injuries and personal struggles curtailed those ambitions.
The club’s handling of Alli during his rehabilitation deserves commendation. Allowing him to train after his contract expired was a gesture of goodwill that highlights the family ethos of Everton. It also underlines the belief that, under different circumstances, Alli could have become a crucial player for the Toffees.
Despite the disappointment, most fans will wish him well at Como. The move represents a clean slate, one that many believe he desperately needs. There’s a collective hope that under Fàbregas’s mentorship, he can recapture the form that once made him one of England’s most exciting talents.
Ultimately, Alli’s departure feels like a missed opportunity for Everton but also a reminder of how circumstances, both personal and professional, can impact a career. While his time at Goodison didn’t work out, fans will always remember the flashes of brilliance and will be watching his Italian adventure with interest.