Having started only one game this season for new club Chelsea, it is safe to say it has been a less than ideal beginning to his stint in London for former Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The Englishman signed for the Blues in the summer just gone for a fee reported to be around £30 million, but he has had almost no impact since joining the club, making only six league appearances, registering just one assist.
In a midfield populated by big-money signings such as Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, it was always going to be tricky for Dewsbury-Hall to make a lasting impression at Stamford Bridge, but many would have expected him to have more involvement than has been awarded thus far.
Having finished last season's Championship campaign as one of the league's top players with an astounding return of 12 goals and 14 assists, it is clear that game time is all that will be needed to rediscover the quality that the 26-year-old so blatantly possesses.
A multitude of Premier League clubs are lining up to secure his signature, with Graham Potter's West Ham currently the bookies' favourite to secure his signature.
Current favourites
West Ham – 2/1
In what can only be described as a disastrous campaign for the Hammers so far, the addition of Dewsbury-Hall could be a much needed injection of quality into a midfield that has failed to impress.
Former gaffer Julen Lopetegui was recently sacked with the club sitting in 14th place, merely half a year after David Moyes led them to ninth place in a campaign deemed ‘unacceptable' by the fan base and hierarchy alike.
New signing Guido Rodriguez and experienced Czech international Tomas Soucek have come under fire for some lacklustre performances, as well as Brazilian technician Lucas Paqueta failing to register a single assist this season.
With star players Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio also injured, West Ham find themselves in a tough spot. Bookies have West Ham placed as 2/1 favourites to sign Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and it is evident that he could be a crucial acquisition if the Hammers are to turn their season around.
Leicester – 6/1
The bookies have priced an unprecedented return to boyhood club Leicester at 6/1. Dewsbury-Hall has made 169 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and 25 assists, becoming a stalwart of Enzo Maresca's title-winning Championship side last year.
A graduate of the club's academy, a move away was not something Leicester fans wanted to see when they were promoted back to the Premier League in the summer, but they may now be licking their lips at the prospect of a return for their top creator.
It is tough to imagine a scenario in which the 26-year-old would not want to return to the club where he found his best form and success in order to help them escape the relegation zone and fight for Premier League survival.
With the Foxes sat second from bottom on 14 points, the arrival of Dewsbury-Hall could revitalise the team and potentially change their fortunes. At 6/1, bettors may want to bet on a shock return for a good return on investment.
Everton – 10/1
An outside shout, Everton have been touted as a potential destination for Dewsbury-Hall in the January window. However, returning manager David Moyes seems to have got things under control at Goodison Park, as back-to-back wins against Brighton and Tottenham have steadied the ship at the Merseyside club.
The Toffees now sit seven points clear of the drop zone, with a holding midfield partnership of Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala seeming to have been established by the Scottish gaffer as his first-choice pairing.
With Everton now seeming more secure and edging slowly towards survival, a move for Dewsbury-Hall would seem rather unlikely considering the efficacy of their midfield at present.
Still, if it did happen, 10/1 odds would mean punters could get a great return if the move does come off.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
