In a surprising twist, former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Dele Alli has come out of retirement to join Italian second-tier club Como, managed by ex-Chelsea and Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who had been without a club since leaving Everton in 2023, announced his retirement earlier this year after struggling with injuries and form. However, Fabregas has convinced the mercurial talent to reignite his career in Italy's Serie B.
A New Chapter in Como
Alli's move marks a fresh start for the once-celebrated Premier League star, who burst onto the scene as a teenager with MK Dons before becoming one of England's most exciting talents at Tottenham. His partnership with Harry Kane under Mauricio Pochettino made him one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders.
'This is exactly the challenge I needed,' Alli said in a statement. 'Cesc believes in me, and I'm ready to prove myself again.'
Fabregas' Influence
Como's player-manager Fabregas, who took over the club in 2022, has been instrumental in the deal. The Spanish World Cup winner knows Alli from their time together in the Premier League and believes the Englishman can rediscover his best form in Italy.
'Dele has unbelievable quality,' Fabregas said. 'We're creating something special here at Como, and he fits perfectly into our project.'
The move represents a major coup for the ambitious Italian club, who are pushing for promotion to Serie A. Alli will join former Premier League players including Dennis Wise and Patrick Vieira who have previously played for Como.
Can Alli Rediscover His Magic?
Once valued at £100 million, Alli's career stalled after leaving Tottenham in 2022. A disappointing spell at Everton and a failed loan move to Besiktas saw his stock fall dramatically before his shock retirement announcement.
Football pundits will be watching closely to see if the change of scenery can help Alli recapture the form that made him one of England's brightest prospects. With Como pushing for promotion and Fabregas' guidance, this could be the perfect environment for a career revival.
The deal is understood to be a short-term contract with performance-related bonuses, giving both player and club flexibility. Alli could make his debut as early as next week when Como face Venezia.
