Dele Alli will complete his return to football with a contract with Italian club Como 1907.
The 28-year-old has been without a club since his Everton contract expired in the summer, although he continued to train with the Toffees.
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However, The Pitch Prospect understands the free agent has agreed a deal to join Serie A club Como this month, where he hopes to get his career back on track.
The former Tottenham and England star will sign a contract until 2026 and can extend for a further 12 months depending on deployment or availability.
Alli’s move will see him play under Cesc Fabregas, who became Como’s permanent head coach in July after overseeing their youth teams.
The former midfielder, who won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Chelsea, another FA Cup with Arsenal and the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, is in 16th place in Serie A with the club.
Alli witnessed his new team in action last month when he was spotted in the stands during the 2-0 win over Roma.
“I met him yesterday,” Fabregas said afterwards.
“I don’t want to talk about it much, but maybe there’s a chance he’ll start training with us after Christmas.”
“Let’s see. It would help him get in shape and nothing more. For now we just have to enjoy this night.”
Despite Fabregas’ comments, he is now ready to sign for the Italian team.
Alli emerged as one of England’s brightest talents at MK Dons before Tottenham signed him for £5 million in January 2015.
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The midfielder played 269 games for Spurs, scoring 67 goals and helping them reach the Champions League final in 2019.
After losing form, succumbing to injuries and slipping down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, he moved to Everton at the start of 2022 but has struggled to make an impact.
He then endured a difficult loan spell at Besiktas, where he was criticized by their manager.
Alli’s final appearance for the Toffees came in August 2022 and he announced his emotional departure last month.
In an interview with Gary Neville in 2023, he bravely spoke about his difficult childhood, his addiction to sleeping pills and his mental health.
Despite his previous struggles, Alli has held on to his ambitions and is targeting a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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“I hope so,” he told Sky Sports when asked if he would like to return to the level he was at before.
“You know you can set reminders on your phone. I have a reminder every day at 11am that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my goal for now.”
“I think people will say: ‘He hasn’t played in a year’ but I don’t care, I know my level. The only goal I have at the moment is the World Cup.”