Dele Alli offered career lifeline as Premier League cult hero opens door to transfer
Cesc Fabregas said Dele, who is a free agent, has been offered chance to train with Serie A side Como after Christmas but it is more than two years since the former Spurs star's last game
by Alan Smith · The MirrorDele Alli has been offered a chance to prove his fitness by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.
The head coach of Serie A side Como has confirmed former Tottenham star Dele, who has been a free agent since leaving Everton in the summer and has endured two years of injury and off-field issues, has been invited to train with his squad over Christmas.
And while Fabregas said no contract is yet on the table, it represents a significant opportunity for the 28-year-old, who last played a meaningful match in February 2023 back when he was on loan at Turkish SuperLig side Besiktas.
Dele was in Como to see Fabregas’ team, which already features ex-Premier League players Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno and Patrick Cutrone along with Barcelona veteran Sergi Roberto, defeat Roma 2-0 at the weekend.
And Fabregas said after the match: “I don't want to talk too much about this but perhaps there is a chance Dele will start training with us after Christmas. It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more.”
Dele said earlier this year that he still believed he could be part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup but he has had repeated hip and thigh injuries since 2022.
The creative midfielder, a key player for Gareth Southgate at the Russia World Cup in 2018, has also opened on his mental health issues and a spell in rehab because of issues with sleeping pills.
Como, meanwhile, moved up to 17th in the Serie A table following their Roma win - which was also watched by Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender.
The club has had a complete overhaul in recent years with former Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise overseeing strategy on behalf of Indonesian-based owners. Fabregas and Thierry Henry also have small stakes in the club.
They also signed Raphael Varane, a free agent after he left Manchester United at the end of last season, only for the French defender to retire following a serious knee injury sustained in his debut.
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