Another Setback for a Once-Bright Star
Former England international Dele Alli is once again a free agent after Italian Serie A club Como terminated his contract by mutual consent. The 29-year-old midfielder’s departure, announced on September 1, 2025, marks another challenging chapter in a career that has seen a dramatic decline from the heights of Premier League stardom.
Dele joined Como in January 2025 on an 18-month deal, a move intended to reignite his career after a difficult period. However, his time in Italy was short-lived and ill-fated. He made just a single appearance for the club on March 15, 2025, against AC Milan. Coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute, his return to professional football after more than a year was cut short when he was sent off just ten minutes later for a clumsy challenge. Following the incident, manager Cesc Fàbregas indicated that Dele was not part of the club’s immediate plans for the upcoming season, leading to the mutual agreement to part ways.
The Long Road from Tottenham’s Peak
The midfielder’s recent struggles stand in stark contrast to his explosive arrival on the world stage with Tottenham Hotspur. After joining from Milton Keynes Dons for an initial fee of £5 million in 2015, Dele quickly became one of the most exciting young talents in football. His first two seasons at the club were sensational, earning him back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. During his time at Spurs, he was a vital player, scoring 51 goals in 181 Premier League appearances and helping the team reach the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
His performances also made him a regular for the England national team, earning 37 caps and playing a key role in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, a subsequent loss of form and strained relationships with managers José Mourinho and Antonio Conte saw his influence at Tottenham wane significantly.
Struggles at Everton and Beşiktaş
A move to Everton in January 2022 was meant to be a fresh start, but Dele failed to make an impact. He made only 13 appearances for the club without scoring a goal. A loan spell to Turkish side Beşiktaş for the 2022-23 season also proved unsuccessful. Despite scoring twice in 13 league games, his loan was cut short after he was deemed to be performing “below expectations” and sustained an injury.
He did not feature for Everton at all during the 2023-24 season due to a persistent groin injury, eventually being released in June 2024 before his move to Como.
Off-Pitch Battles and an Uncertain Future
In a candid and courageous interview in July 2023, Dele opened up about the significant personal challenges he has faced, providing crucial context to his on-field difficulties. He revealed details of a traumatic childhood, mental health struggles, and a recent six-week spell in rehab for an addiction to sleeping pills. This revelation earned him widespread support and admiration from the football community.
Now, at 29, Dele finds himself at a career crossroads. Once valued as one of the world’s most promising midfielders, he is searching for a new club to rediscover the form that once captivated fans. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, the football world watches on, hoping that a player of his undeniable talent can overcome his adversities and find a place to once again enjoy his football.
