Dele Alli seals surprise Como transfer as Cesc Fabregas talks up ex-Tottenham star's 'potential' despite his two-year absence from competitive action

Ex-England international Dele, who is still just 28 years of age, has linked up with Como after severing ties with Everton as a free agent. He had continued to train with the Toffees after seeing his contract expire, but was offered the chance to head for Italy towards the end of 2024.

One-time Arsenal and Chelsea star Fabregas gave Dele the opportunity to start training with Como from Boxing Day, with it revealed that there would be “no immediate performance expectations” placed on a man that has not taken in a competitive appearance of any kind since February 2023.

The Athletic reports that Dele has now signed a contract with Como through to the summer of 2026 that includes the option for a 12-month extension. Fabregas has said of bringing a player with undoubted ability on board: "The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad."

Dele, who admitted when leaving Everton that “things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped”, has spoken on a regular basis of wanting to reignite his career despite much-publicised injury struggles seeing some suggest that he may not be far off retirement.