Enzo Maresca’s first transfer window as Chelsea manager has come under scrutiny, with the £30m signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall labeled a misstep.
The Italian coach, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino last summer after leaving Championship-winning Leicester City, brought in big names like Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Joao Felix, but not all his acquisitions have shone.
Among the less successful additions is 26-year-old Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea from Leicester on a six-year deal.
Despite being a standout performer for Leicester—scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists to earn Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season honors—his time at Stamford Bridge has been a struggle. He has managed just one Premier League start and has been largely confined to the bench.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas criticized the move. “Signing Dewsbury-Hall was a mistake,” Gallas said.
“He cost £30m but hasn’t been able to secure a place in the team. He might have been better off staying at Leicester.”
The midfielder’s lack of game time has fueled rumors of a January departure, with new West Ham manager Graham Potter reportedly keen on bringing him to the London Stadium.
Ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin echoed calls for a move, saying, “It’s a shame to see his talent wasted. He needs regular football, whether at West Ham or elsewhere. Sitting on the bench isn’t an option in such a short career.”
Despite limited opportunities, Dewsbury-Hall has shown flashes of his ability, contributing an assist during a rare start against Wolves.
However, with Chelsea boasting a deep midfield roster, breaking into the first team remains a daunting challenge.
The January transfer window could be a turning point for the former Leicester star, whose frustration is growing. He will hope for more chances when Chelsea visit Manchester City this weekend.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s inconsistent form persists. After failing to win five consecutive league matches during the festive period, the Blues bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Wolves, moving back to fourth in the table. Whether Dewsbury-Hall will have a role in their push for silverware remains to be seen.