Chelsea completed the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 2024 summer transfer window, but they would have been much better going after his Leicester City teammate instead.
Chelsea signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 26, in a £30m deal from Leicester at the start of the season. Unfortunately, the central midfielder has struggled to make a significant impact yet at Stamford Bridge.
He’s made 18 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign, starting only once in his seven Premier League matches.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca previously coached the box-to-box midfielder when they were at the King Power Stadium together in the 2023/24 season. However, Maresca didn’t feel like Chelsea needed to sign Dewsbury-Hall.
It’s quite telling that Chelsea offered Dewsbury-Hall to Everton in the January transfer window, but he’s stayed put in West London for the second half of the season.
Chelsea should’ve signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Leicester City teammate instead
We think Dewsbury-Hall’s Leicester teammate would’ve been a miles better signing for Chelsea last summer.
Foxes midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, 28, was available on a free transfer in the recent summer window before eventually signing a new three-year contract with Leicester. The Blues could’ve saved millions if they had gone all out for him rather than Dewsbury-Hall.
Without a doubt, Ndidi’s profile would fit the Chelsea squad so much more effectively.
For starters, the Nigeria international would add some much-needed experience and leadership to a very young group. He’s currently played 208 games and counting in the Premier League. Interestingly, Joe Cole has told Chelsea they’re crying out for experienced signings.
On top of that, Ndidi is an all-action central midfielder who would provide natural cover for Moises Caicedo. He would a better partner in a two-man midfield than Dewsbury-Hall, too.
Even though Leicester are fighting relegation in the Premier League this season, Ndidi is one of their top performers showing his quality in the top division.
| Player | Average rating |
| Mads Hermansen | 6.91 |
| Wilfred Ndidi | 6.91 |
| Jamie Vardy | 6.85 |
| Facundo Buonanotte | 6.83 |
| Bilal El Khannous | 6.72 |
Looking ahead to the future, Chelsea should be firmly in the mix for any available players that carry a wealth of top-level experience.
Chelsea midfield under big pressure
Until Romeo Lavia returns from injury for the Blues, they’re struggling in the centre of the park because of the strain put on Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos will compete for a midfield position next season, but that does very little to help them in this moment.
Dewsbury-Hall, along with youngster Mathis Amougou, provide alternative options in central midfield. It’s very rare that Maresca moves away from the axis of Caicedo and Fernandez, though.
The logical thing to do is put a bit more trust in Dewsbury-Hall and hope he finds some form with more consistent minutes, especially when the Conference League tournament resumes for the Blues.
