Dele Alli has made his return to matchday squads for the first time since 2023, as he continues his career with Serie A side Como. The 28-year-old, once a star at Tottenham Hotspur, has struggled with injuries over the past few years, with his time at Everton coming to an end following a series of setbacks. Now, after making the move to Italy, Alli is training under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas at Como but has yet to feature in a match since joining.
The midfielder, who had a prolific period at Tottenham after joining from MK Dons in 2015, is beloved by Spurs fans for his pivotal role in the team’s successes during his early years. Alli’s recent struggles, however, have kept him out of action, with the last time he featured in a competitive match being in February 2023. Despite this, his presence in Como’s recent matchday squads against Roma and Venezia marks a potential turning point as he looks to get back into action. While he has yet to play, these appearances on the squad list suggest that his return to match fitness is drawing closer.
Speculation about Alli’s future has increased, with some considering the possibility of a return to Tottenham, though not as a player. Martin Allen, former manager of Brentford and Leicester City, has hinted that a coaching or academy role at Spurs could be a fitting next step for the former England international. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Allen suggested that Alli could pass on his experiences to younger players, especially given his personal struggles with mental health. “Maybe a role at Tottenham… an academy coach to give knowledge to young people, educating them around depression and avoiding certain situations,” Allen said.
Tottenham fans are still fond of Alli, and the idea of him returning to the club in any capacity could provide a much-needed boost to the atmosphere around Spurs. With the team currently struggling in the Premier League and placing their hopes on a successful Europa League run to salvage their season, a figure like Alli could bring some excitement back to North London. Despite the club’s current turmoil, there remains hope that Alli could use his past experiences to help guide young players at the academy, bringing positive energy to the youth ranks.
After a promising start to his career, Alli’s time at Spurs saw him become a key player under Mauricio Pochettino. He scored 67 goals and provided 44 assists in 269 appearances for the club. The thought of him imparting that wisdom to the next generation at Tottenham is appealing, particularly as the club looks to rebuild and inject some fresh optimism into their ranks. A role within the academy could serve as a springboard for Alli to eventually return to the first-team setup, should he prove himself in this new capacity.
While his immediate future remains uncertain, the possibility of Dele Alli returning to Tottenham in a mentoring role could be a welcome development for both the player and the club.
