Dele Alli ComoGetty Images
Chris Burton

Dele Alli's downfall is 'difficult' to understand, admits manager who saw him emerge at MK Dons - as rumoured Wrexham target is told to focus on 'enjoying life' after Como debacle

Dele Alli’s downfall remains “difficult” to understand, with Roberto Di Matteo - who saw the ex-England international taking his first steps towards senior stardom - urging the former Tottenham midfielder to “enjoy life”. Dele finds himself at another important career crossroads after seeing his contract surprisingly terminated by Serie A side Como.

  • Italian job gone wrong: Released by Como

    A fresh start in Italy, as he stepped out of his comfort zone, was supposed to help Dele rekindle a lost spark. He was, however, to make just one appearance - which was cut short after picking up a red card on debut - before being deemed surplus to requirements.

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    One cameo appearance since February 2023

    That brief cameo off the bench represents the only competitive outing that Dele has made since seeing a forgettable loan spell at Besiktas in Turkey cut short in February 2023. He has endured issues on and off the field, making it difficult for form and fitness to be found.

  • Step back: EFL switch speculated on

    As a free agent once more, plenty of questions are being asked of what happens next for Dele. He is 29 years of age and cannot rely on his reputation to keep landing contracts at top-flight clubs. It has been suggested that he should step back into the EFL ranks and rebuild from there.

  • Dele Alli Ryan Reynolds Luka ModricGetty/GOAL

    Di Matteo assesses Dele's unfortunate struggles

    Di Matteo, who was boss of MK Dons when Dele was a hot prospect in their academy system, told GOAL - speaking in association with BetVictor Online Slots Team - when asked what Dele should do after flopping in his Italian job: “From the outside it’s difficult to make an assessment.

    “I don’t know what’s going on with him personally. He was at such a high and somehow, something changed with him in his personal life. It’s difficult. It’s just a shame that we have lost one of the young, bright, English talents.

    “I don’t know what he needs to climb up the ladder again. It’s difficult. I just wish he finds it as soon as possible so he can enjoy his football, his life again, and have a good time.”

  • Where next? The clubs being linked with Dele

    A number of Championship clubs have been credited with interest in Dele, but no official approaches have been made. The ex-Spurs and Everton star has been linked with Wrexham and Birmingham - who have Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Tom Brady among their investors - as well as Swansea, following the arrival of Luka Modric and Snoop Dogg in their ownership team.