According to respected journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was initially hesitant to leave Chelsea this summer. After just one season at the club, the 25-year-old midfielder had grown emotionally invested in the project at Stamford Bridge. Even though his role in the squad was more supportive than central, he still played a meaningful part in a historic campaign.
During his short spell with the Blues, Dewsbury-Hall experienced trophy success on the world stage, lifting both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea also secured Champions League qualification, restoring pride and optimism after a rocky few years. These achievements made it difficult for the former Leicester City man to walk away.
It’s understood that Dewsbury-Hall felt personally connected to the group, and while he wasn’t a regular starter, he valued the experience and believed he could still grow into a larger role under Enzo Maresca, who had previously coached him at Leicester.
Why Chelsea Let Him Go
Despite Dewsbury-Hall’s attachment to the squad, Chelsea made it clear they were open to a sale. The reasoning was largely financial: the Blues are actively looking to balance their books and recoup most of the £30 million they invested in him just last year. With the club undergoing a meticulous rebuild under Maresca, space had to be made in midfield to accommodate incoming talents and free up wages.
The deal aligns with Chelsea’s broader summer strategy streamlining the squad, trimming excess depth, and ensuring Financial Fair Play compliance while retaining players most suited to Maresca’s high-possession, positional play philosophy.
What This Means
Dewsbury-Hall’s departure, though not headline-grabbing, signals the end of a short but respectable chapter in his career.
It reflects Chelsea’s ruthless clarity in decision-making this window: sentiment is secondary to system and structure.
It also shows the club’s commitment to maximizing value, especially with the market for Premier League-proven midfielders remaining strong.
Final Thought:
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall may have only spent one year at Chelsea, but his role in a double trophy-winning season and the club’s return to the UCL will not be forgotten. As he heads off likely to Everton, based on Fabrizio Romano’s reports he does so with dignity, professionalism, and his head held high.
