Upon their return to the Premier League, Leicester City likely anticipated the challenge of retaining Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after his outstanding Championship season.
The dynamic midfielder seems to be nearing a move to Chelsea, reuniting with former Foxes manager Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge. This comes as a blow to Steve Cooper, who must now regroup his team after such a discouraging loss.
Dewsbury-Hall’s impact last season
The 25-year-old midfielder has consistently been a standout performer at King Power Stadium, even during Leicester’s difficult relegation campaign, with two goals and two assists in 31 matches. His performances in the Championship underscored his potential, with 12 goals and 14 assists from 44 games, often leading the Foxes through tense moments.
Despite dropping to the second tier, many hoped Dewsbury-Hall would stay with Leicester as they aimed to return to the Premier League. His commitment seemed assured after the joy of lifting the Championship trophy, but financial realities and his ambitions led to his exit for a reported £30m—a significant sum, though less than other notable departures.
Leicester’s financial constraints likely influenced the deal, as Dewsbury-Hall was keen to reunite with Maresca. Although the transfer fee might feel low, it still represents substantial income for a homegrown player. Leicester has a history of bouncing back from major sales, such as Harry Maguire’s £80m transfer to Manchester United in 2019, a deal seen as excellent business despite the void it left.
Harry Maguire’s time at Leicester
Maguire’s departure was a landmark, as he moved to Manchester United for an enormous fee, reflecting his value to Leicester after joining for £17m from Hull City in 2017. He quickly became a key player, excelling in defense and contributing goals, with his transfer becoming a financial windfall for Leicester.
Leicester emerged as clear winners from Maguire’s sale, given his current valuation of £9m, with his career at United marked by fluctuating performances and a declining reputation.
The Dewsbury-Hall deal might one day be viewed similarly, as Leicester capitalizes on his value before potential decline. Meanwhile, Dewsbury-Hall could thrive at Chelsea, as Leicester focuses on maintaining their Premier League status under Steve Cooper.
