Dele Alli’s brief spell with Italian side Como is coming to an abrupt end, just six months after the midfielder joined the club as a free agent.
The England international had hoped to reignite his career out in Italy.
However, that hasn't happened, with Alli making just one appearance following his arrival.
According to The Athletic, the 29-year-old will leave Cesc Fabregas’ Serie A side immediately, despite having a full year remaining on the 18-month deal he signed in January following the expiration of his contract with Everton.
Dele Alli’s brief spell with Italian side Como is coming to an abrupt end, just six months after the midfielder joined the club as a free agent
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The former Tottenham Hotspur and England international has struggled to settle in Italy, both on and off the pitch, and did not establish himself under Fabregas’ management.
Alli made just one appearance for Como during his time at the club.
That outing lasted only ten minutes, ending in a red card for a reckless tackle on Ruben Loftus-Cheek during a 2-1 loss to AC Milan in March.
While rumours have swirled online about a potential retirement following his departure, it's suggested Dele has no intention of ending his career and remains committed to continuing as a professional player.
His footballing journey in recent years has been marked by challenges.
Since the start of 2022, he has managed just 30 appearances, playing for Everton, Spurs and Turkish side Besiktas.
His time in Turkey was particularly difficult, culminating in personal struggles that he publicly shared in an emotional interview.
In that conversation, Alli bravely opened up about his addiction to sleeping pills and his decision to check himself into a rehabilitation facility following a turbulent stint at Besiktas.
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Dele Alli managed just one appearance for Como last season
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Injury troubles also plagued his time at Everton, where he missed the entire 2023–24 season due to various fitness setbacks.
Despite his recent struggles, Dele boasts an impressive career CV.
A two-time PFA Young Player of the Year, he has made nearly 200 Premier League appearances, scoring 51 goals and providing 35 assists. He also played a key role for England at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
No new club has yet been formally linked with the midfielder, but one notable figure hopes to see a revival.
Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew believes a move to Scottish giants Rangers could offer Alli the opportunity to reignite his career.
“His fall from grace has been unusual — a player of that quality, playing for England, Champions League final etc., and now can’t seem to get a contract at Como,” Pardew told talkSPORT.
“I hope he does [revive his career], he’s a player that you don’t want to lose. Let’s hope that there’s life for him at Rangers.
"If you look at the history of players that have fallen from grace, it’s very rare that they come back and resurface.”
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As things stand, however, it's unclear what the future holds.
Alli has remarkable talent but is no longer able to play at the highest level, despite previously aiming to be part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.