Opinion

Enzo Maresca was right all along, Chelsea should never have sold £12m midfielder

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Chelsea have been known for their transfer mistakes over the years, and it seems as if there may just be another one with Cesare Casadei.

Enzo Maresca didn’t actually sign Cesare Casadei, the midfielder was brought to Stamford Bridge under Thomas Tuchel’s tenure in 2022, but Maresca was the manager who unlocked his true potential during a highly successful loan spell at Leicester City.

Casadei’s overall time at Chelsea, however, became a story of unfulfilled potential, as he was trapped in a cycle of sporadic cup appearances and misuse under other managers.

Since Maresca’s departure and Casadei’s permanent exit from West London, the Italian has completely transformed his career. Stripped of the Stamford Bridge pressure, the midfielder has enjoyed a breakout period in Europe, scoring seven goals in all competitions.

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Tuttosport report that Everton and Brighton are closely monitoring the 23-year-old ahead of a potential move this summer.

However, Torino won’t sell unless they receive ‘particularly significant offers’ for the midfielder.

The plan, at this moment in time, is for him to remain at the club and continue his development with them, with the midfielder very happy to return to Italy last year after his tough period at Chelsea.

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Enzo Maresca never wanted to sell Casadei at Chelsea

Interestingly, it was reported at the time of Casadei’s departure at Chelsea that Enzo Maresca actually wanted to keep hold of the midfielder but he opted to join Torino.

Maresca has been completely vindicated in his long-standing assessment of Cesare Casadei, proving that Chelsea were shortsighted to let the Italian midfielder go.

Having seen Casadei’s immense potential during their time together at Leicester City, Maresca always maintained that the youngster possessed talent.

Of course, you can’t blame the club for not giving Casadei an opportunity, as at the time the situation didn’t allow for that. But you can’t help but feel that another loan could have occurred.