Como have confirmed the signing of Dele Alli on a free transfer after a successful spell training with the Italian club.

The former Tottenham midfielder had been without a club since his release from Everton in the summer and had been invited to join the recently-promoted Serie A side at their Mozzate training centre last month in a bid to keep up his fitness. He also attended matches and was spotted in the stands at the 2-0 victory over Roma on December 15.

After impressing head coach Cesc Fabregas and club staff he has now been handed an initial 18-month deal, with an option of a one-year extension until summer 2027.

Alli has not played a professional match since February 2023, his last appearance coming during a loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas. Later that year he bravely opened up to Gary Neville in an emotional interview on the Overlap about his upbringing and discussed his spell in rehab to overcome a sleeping pill addiction. Como have made clear that creating the right environment for the player to flourish once more is their top priority.

The 28-year-old is the first ever England international to sign for Como, and joins a host of British talent already making their mark in Italy’s top flight – including Milan duo Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham.

Alli burst onto the scene as a teenager, making his professional debut at just 16 for MK Dons, before moving to Tottenham in 2015. In 2018, CIES ranked him as the most highly-valued midfielder in world football. As well as getting back on the pitch for the first time since 2023, Alli will also be harnessing his experiences to help mentor younger team-mates that include the likes of emerging stars Nico Paz and fellow new signing Assane Diao.

“The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form,” Fabregas said on the club’s latest recruit. “His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad.”

A statement from Como added: “The focus will be on providing Dele with a supportive environment where he can gradually integrate into the squad. While there will be no immediate performance expectations, the club is confident that he will make a significant contribution both on the pitch and as a mentor to the club’s young talents.”

Alli is the fourth arrival of what has been a busy window. The club have already broken their club transfer record twice – with 19-year-old Spanish winger Diao arriving for €12m from Real Betis, before midfielder Maxence Caqueret joins from Ligue 1 side Lyon for €15m. They have also strengthened at the back, with goalkeeper Jean Butez joining from Antwerp.

All three have already made their debuts, with Butez and Diao both appearing during the 1-1 draw with Lazio. Caqueret appeared as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Milan last Tuesday – a game in which Diao grabbed his first goal for the club.

Fabregas’s side currently sit 17th in Serie A, and sit outside the relegation places based on their head-to-head record.