Dele Alli confirms Everton exit in emotional statement with next move already lined up

Dele Alli has issued an update on the next steps for his football career.

Alli, 28, has been without a club since his Everton contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season.

However, the Merseyside-based outfit still allowed the former Spurs man to use their facilities at Finch Farm training ground during his rehabilitation from injury.

The attacking midfielder sustained several injuries during his two-year spell at Goodison Park.

The latest in a string of setbacks came in October of this year when Sean Dyche revealed Dele had picked up a muscle injury, which impeded his ability to train with the squad.

The former England man has finally told fans what the next stage of his career could look like and was keen to thank Everton for the “support” they have provided him with.

"As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities,” read a statement posted to Dele’s Instagram account.

“Before any of that happens it’s very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.

"It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.

"Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page. I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon."

Dele was spotted at Como's stadium (Credit:Getty)

The player has been linked with a potential move to Serie A outfit Como, who are managed by former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

According to Football Italia, it has been suggested that Dele will start training with the Italian club on December 26 as he looks to bolster his fitness.

He was spotted in the stands at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia during the club's 2-0 victory against Roma last Sunday.

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old revealed how he still has ambitions of making the England squad for the World Cup in 2026.

"You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says,'World Cup 2026'," he said when speaking to Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones on Sky Sports' MNF in April.

"That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, 'he hasn't played in a year', but I don't care, I know my level."