Transfer Centre

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca set to reunite with Leicester City midfield star?

By Devesh Jaganath | 27 June 2024

Leicester star 'keen to join' Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Leicester City regarding a possible move for highly-rated midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer.

The 25-year-old has been with the Foxes since the age of eight and played a pivotal role in the club's promotion back to the Premier League last season.

In 44 matches for Leicester, Dewsbury-Hall notched up an impressive tally of 12 goals and 14 assists.

Owing to his impressive performances, the attacking midfielder received the Players' Player of the Season award for the Foxes last season.

Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on January 30, 2024 © Reuters

Maresca to bring Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge this summer?

Dewsbury-Hall played under current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca in Leicester's Championship-winning season, and according to The Athletic, the Blues are now considering reuniting the two by enquiring about the prospect of signing the talented midfielder this summer.

The report adds that no formal offer has been tabled as yet, but the player is believed to be keen only on a move to Chelsea if he does leave his boyhood club.

It is understood that the Foxes are not actively looking to sell their academy product this summer but have valued him in the region of £35m.

The 25-year-old's current deal at the King Power Stadium is only set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season.

A separate report from talkSPORT suggested that Brighton & Hove Albion, who tried signing Dewsbury-Hall last January, are also considering making a move for him again in the current transfer window.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after winning the Championship on May 30, 2024 © Reuters

Dewsbury-Hall heaps praise on former boss

Having played for Maresca last season, Dewsbury-Hall is believed to be considered an ideal addition for the style of play that the Italian manager wishes to implement at Stamford Bridge.

In a recent interview with the BBC, the 25-year-old admitted his admiration for his former boss, stating, "Enzo was an unbelievable manager. I genuinely see him becoming a top manager, so it wasn't a surprise to see he was in demand.

"It is weird having to change a manager after being so successful, but that's football."

Maresca's move to West London was confirmed at the start of the month, and given his success with the midfielder last season, it may not come as a huge surprise if the two pair up again in the future.

Chelsea have already made two signings this summer, bringing in former Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as a free transfer.

The Blues have also announced that they agreed on a deal for teenage wonderkid Estevao Willian, who will join them at the start of the 2025-26 season.