Chelsea Football Club is reportedly considering the sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as the January transfer window approaches. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who is currently positioned 44th in FourFourTwo's ranking of the world's top managers, the Blues have enjoyed a promising campaign, most recently clinching an exhilarating 4-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. This victory has propelled Chelsea into second place in the Premier League standings, affirming their status as strong contenders in this season's title race.
While several players, including Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Nicolas Jackson, have thrived under Maresca's leadership, not all of the club's new signings have seamlessly integrated into the team's framework. Dewsbury-Hall, who made the switch from Leicester City last summer, has encountered difficulties securing a consistent role in Maresca's starting XI. Despite his participation in 13 matches, many of which came from the bench, the 26-year-old midfielder is reportedly dissatisfied with his limited playing time. Having been recognised as the Football League's best player last season, Dewsbury-Hall is eager for more opportunities to display his talents.
A report from Football Insider suggests that Chelsea may be open to transferring Dewsbury-Hall in January, with the expectation of recouping at least the £30 million they invested in his signing. Aston Villa appears to be a leading candidate for his services, should he become available.
Maresca has faced the challenge of managing a crowded midfield this season, with standout performances from Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez all vying for crucial playing time. Earlier in the season, the manager addressed Dewsbury-Hall’s situation, acknowledging the difficulties associated with transitioning from being a key player at Leicester to a more rotational role at Chelsea. He stated, “I’m very happy with Kiernan. We need to understand that Kiernan was the main player at Leicester. He arrived here now and he’s not the main player; now he’s one of the players. For him, and any player in the world, you need to adapt mentally.”
Initially, FourFourTwo speculated that Dewsbury-Hall might see increased playtime due to his prior rapport with Maresca, but a transfer now appears to be a viable option unless unforeseen injuries impact the squad in the latter half of the season.
As the January transfer window draws closer, Chelsea will be keen to evaluate their options. The Blues are set to return to Premier League action this weekend with a London derby against Brentford at Stamford Bridge, which promises to be an engaging encounter for supporters and players alike.