After a surprising move to Como last season, former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli found himself in uncharted territory—facing what many consider his final opportunity to revive a once-promising career. His brief stint in Serie A ended abruptly, leaving questions about what went wrong and where his football journey might go next.
From Premier League star to free agent
At 30 years old, Dele Alli has spent nearly a year without a club, training independently while awaiting a chance to prove himself again. Once a key figure in the Premier League with 51 goals and 37 England caps, his career has taken a sharp turn. After unsuccessful spells at Everton and Beşiktaş on loan, his reputation has taken a hit, making it increasingly difficult to secure a contract in Europe’s top leagues.
For a player of his calibre, a step down might be the only way forward. Clubs in England’s EFL, including Wrexham (part-owned by Ryan Reynolds) and Birmingham City (backed by Tom Brady), have shown interest, suggesting that a fresh start could reignite his career.
The Serie A reality check
Dele’s move to Como was meant to be a turning point. However, his time in Italy proved short-lived. He made just one substitute appearance under Cesc Fàbregas before being released, having received a red card in his only outing against AC Milan. The experience highlighted the harsh realities of Serie A, where adaptation and performance are non-negotiable.
Former England defender Des Walker, who experienced Serie A firsthand with Sampdoria in the 1990s, shed light on Dele’s challenges. Speaking about the difficulties foreign players face in Italy, Walker noted, “For Dele, this was likely his last chance at a big comeback. Unlike Scott McTominay, who joined Napoli—a club fully committed to him—Dele arrived hoping for a miracle.”
Walker emphasized the cultural and professional hurdles: “The first four to five months are the toughest. The pace of life in Italy leaves no room for adjustment. If you’re a star, you’re expected to perform immediately. There’s no time to ease into the system.”
Can Dele Alli still turn things around?
Former Chelsea and Italy manager Roberto Di Matteo, who once coached Dele at MK Dons, offered a sympathetic perspective. While acknowledging the player’s past brilliance, he admitted, “It’s hard to judge what’s happening in his personal life. Something changed, and it’s a shame to see such talent struggle.”
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, Dele remains determined to rebuild his career. Yet, the path forward is uncertain. Rumors of interest from Real Madrid—where he played alongside Harry Kane—now feel like a distant memory. For now, the former England international must focus on finding a club willing to take a chance on a player whose best days may still lie ahead.