Dele Alli has confirmed his departure from Everton in an emotional post on social media, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in the former England international’s career.
The 28-year-old’s contract at Goodison Park officially expired in the summer, but he continued to train with the club in a bid to regain full fitness following a string of injuries.
Recently linked with a potential move to Serie A newcomers Como, managed by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, Alli’s announcement has further fuelled speculation of a fresh start in Italy.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Alli expressed his gratitude to Everton’s fans, staff, and players for supporting him during a difficult period, despite him no longer being officially contracted to the club.
“As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities,” Alli wrote.
“Before any of that happens it’s very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.
“It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.
“Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page.
“I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon.”
From Tottenham Stardom to Struggles
Alli was once one of English football’s brightest prospects, bursting onto the scene with Tottenham in the 2015/16 season.
Over seven years in north London, he scored 67 goals and provided 58 assists in 269 appearances, becoming a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
Alli’s peak came with his inclusion in the starting XI for Tottenham’s 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool.
However, his career trajectory took a downturn following injuries and a loss of form. After falling out of favour at Spurs, Alli joined Everton but struggled to make an impact.
A loan spell at Besiktas in Turkey also proved challenging, with limited game time and injuries hampering his return to form.
Aiming for Redemption
Earlier this year, Alli revealed his addiction to sleeping pills and opened up about the challenges he faced during his childhood. His candidness shed light on his struggles and his determination to make a comeback.
Now, Alli has his sights set on a return to the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A move to Como could play a crucial role in his revival, with Fabregas reportedly keen to offer him an opportunity to rebuild his career.
Speaking after Como’s 2-0 win over Roma last Sunday, where Alli was spotted in the stands alongside stars such as Keira Knightley and Adrien Brody, Fabregas hinted at the possibility of working with the former Tottenham midfielder.
“I got to know him yesterday,” Fabregas said. “I don’t want to talk much about this, but perhaps there’s a chance that he will start training with us after Christmas.
“Let’s see. It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more. For now, we must enjoy this night. We must talk about Como, Gabrielloni and the lads. This is the most important thing.”
As Alli turns the page on his Everton career, the focus now shifts to his next step and whether a fresh start in Italy can reignite the spark that once made him one of the most exciting talents in football.
