Chelsea need to do some more business before the summer transfer window slams shut, although they have done very well when it comes to strengthening their squad further. Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato have been brought in. On top of that, Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United are also wanted.
Of course, in order to make space and raise funds for these moves, the Blues need to move on some of their current crop of players first. And a key squad player has headed for the exit door.
It was just last summer that Chelsea went out and signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City. He had enjoyed a brilliant campaign playing under the management of Enzo Maresca with the Foxes and that earned him a move to Stamford Bridge. The pre-existing connection between the manager and the player surely would have played its part.
Dewsbury-Hall might not have been a starter for Chelsea last season. But he certainly had an important role as a squad player, making 36 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists. Unfortunately, that is where his time at Stamford Bridge comes to an end.
Official: Chelsea announce Enzo Maresca favourite's exit
Chelsea have officially announced the departure of Dewsbury-Hall on their website. He has complete a transfer to Everton on a permanent basis.
Several reliable outlets have suggested that the transfer fee Chelsea have gotten out of Dewsbury-Hall's exit is an initial £25 million plus another £4 million in add-ons. Last summer, they had signed the midfielder in a £30 million deal from Leicester City. So, they are set to recoup pretty much all of it. That's pretty good considering he was not even a starter for the Blues.
That being said, do not think that this move does not affect Chelsea. Dewsbury-Hall was a reliable squad player and clearly someone that Maresca rated highly, going back to his days at Leicester City. He is expected to have a much bigger role at Everton and it would come as a surprise to anyone if he turns out to be one of their best players next season.
As for Chelsea, the addition of Andrey Santos this summer means that they already have an additional option in the middle of the park, compared to last season. Also, hopefully, Romeo Lavia will remain fit on a consistent basis.