Leicester City’s star man on ‘privilege’ of making Chelsea switch
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has described becoming a Chelsea player as a “privilege” after being reunited with Enzo Maresca.
The new Blues boss worked with the 25-year-old at Leicester City last season and celebrated winning the Championship title and an instant return to the Premier League.
Dewsbury-Hall, who was also wanted by Brighton, has joined in a £30million deal. He has signed a contract until 2029 with the option of an extra 12 months.
He scored 12 goals and also chipped in with 12 assists for the Foxes in the last campaign.
“It is amazing to be sitting here as a Chelsea player,” said Dewsbury-Hall. “This is a club people grow up watching and hoping to one day play for, so it is a privilege to be here.
“I’m really excited to get going and can’t wait to show everybody what I can do.”
Leicester have completed the deal in time for it to be before the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules deadline.
The Foxes were charged in March with allegedly breaking spending rules during their last three campaigns in the top flight and could face a points deduction.
Dewsbury-Hall is Chelsea’s third addition of the summer transfer window and second incoming deal this week after also clinching the signature of Barcelona’s Marc Guiu on Monday.
The striker, 18, has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea.
“It’s an immense joy to sign for Chelsea and I struggled to sleep ahead of the journey here because I was so excited,” the Spanish U19 international told the club website
“Ever since I was small, it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Now I have the opportunity to come here to Chelsea and I will work my hardest to be successful for the club.”
Guiu has been capped at U19 level by his country and graduated through Barca’s La Masia academy.
Chelsea activated a £5milion release clause in his contract.
Lewis Hall has completed a permanent transfer to Newcastle United. He had spent last season on loan with the Toon. The fee has been reported as £28m.
The Blues have received further funds with Omari Hutchinson joining Premier League new boys Ipswich Town in a deal thought to initially be worth £20m, with a further £2.5m potentially in add ons.
Left-back Ian Maatsen, who had a loan spell with Charlton early in his Chelsea career, has signed for Aston Villa in a £35m transfer.
Maatsen spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
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