Chelsea midfielder planning January exit after struggling for minutes under Maresca

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea's £30 million summer acquisition from Leicester City, is eyeing a January departure from Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old midfielder's limited Premier League appearances, totalling a mere 43 minutes, have sparked interest from several top-flight clubs. Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are all keeping tabs on the situation, ready to offer Dewsbury-Hall a fresh start according to Football Express.

Lack of playing time

Dewsbury-Hall's move to Chelsea hasn't panned out as expected. Despite his impressive tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Leicester City during the 2023/24 season, he's struggled to break into Chelsea's first team. The reunion with his former Leicester manager, Enzo Maresca, hasn't yielded the desired results.

The midfielder finds himself in a tough spot, competing against established stars like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia. His situation has gone from bad to worse, with Dewsbury-Hall being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad in five of the last six league fixtures. This lack of involvement has pushed him to consider other options that could provide regular first-team football.

Interest from Premier League rivals

Aston Villa is leading the charge for Dewsbury-Hall's signature. Manager Unai Emery, keen on bolstering his squad for a Champions League push, has proposed a loan deal with an option to buy at £12 million, plus £6 million in performance-related add-ons.

Manchester United has also thrown their hat in the ring. With Christian Eriksen turning 33 in February, new United manager Ruben Amorim sees Dewsbury-Hall as a potential replacement. Amorim's vision to inject youth into the squad aligns perfectly with the Chelsea midfielder's profile and attacking capabilities.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have joined the race too. Both clubs are looking to address their creative midfield shortages, and Dewsbury-Hall's versatility could provide the depth they need for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea open to offers

Chelsea seems willing to negotiate Dewsbury-Hall's departure in the January transfer window. The club is looking to recoup their £30 million investment, recognising that a transfer could benefit both parties. With slim chances of breaking into Chelsea's starting lineup, a move away from Stamford Bridge could be the best solution for all involved.

For Dewsbury-Hall, the January window represents a chance to breathe new life into his career. He's likely to have several Premier League clubs to choose from, each offering the opportunity for regular playing time. This could be the perfect moment for the midfielder to showcase his skills, regain his form, and establish himself as a key player once again.