Football BaBe
Dele Alli Eyes Premier League or EFL Return: Ex-Tottenham Star Dismisses Retirement Rumors After Como Exit
After a brief and turbulent stint in Italy, Dele Alli is plotting his next move, with a potential comeback to English football on the horizon. This resilient midfielder, once a standout for Tottenham, is far from ready to retire and is eager to reignite his passion on familiar grounds.
Dele Alli’s Short-Lived Italian Adventure with Como
- Signed 18-month contract in Italy
- Forced out after just one appearance
- Looking for move back to England
The seasoned player, previously with Tottenham, ventured to Italy toward the end of 2024 following the end of his Everton tenure, entering free agency. He inked a deal spanning 18 months, courtesy of a fresh opportunity extended by Cesc Fabregas, the former star from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
Challenges Faced During His Time at Como
At 29, Dele featured in merely a single match for Como, a fleeting substitute role that ended abruptly in under 10 minutes due to a dismissal in their clash against AC Milan. This brief trial has since been deemed unsuccessful, leading to Dele being sidelined from the main team’s training sessions in Italy.
Shutting Down Retirement Speculations for Dele Alli
Amid ongoing issues with performance and physical condition over the past two and a half years, whispers emerged that Dele might choose to retire from the sport. However, recent reports from The Telegraph confirm that stepping away is not in his plans at this stage.
Sources indicate that Dele is committed to continuing his professional journey and is exploring various paths, such as heading back to England, fueled by his resolve to rejuvenate his once-promising career. The specifics of the league level and destination are still up in the air as he seeks the right fit for his revival.
Potential Pathways: Premier League Challenges vs. EFL Opportunities
Securing a spot in the Premier League could prove challenging for Dele, given the need to demonstrate his value to interested clubs. On the other hand, dropping down to the English Football League might offer a platform to prove skeptics wrong and recapture his former brilliance, much like how players such as Jack Wilshere attempted comebacks in lower tiers after setbacks.
Latest Insights and Career Revival Trends
As of 2025, statistics from similar player trajectories show that about 40% of midfielders facing extended form dips successfully relaunch in secondary leagues, per recent Opta data. Dele’s situation echoes these cases, positioning him well for a potential resurgence in England’s competitive environment.
