Leicester City are considering re-signing Ben Chilwell from Chelsea, FootballTransfers can reveal.
Chilwell, who first joined Leicester’s academy at the age of 12, made a name for himself at the club, earning the Academy Player of the Year award in 2015.
His performances at the King Power Stadium eventually led to a high-profile move to Chelsea in 2020, costing the West London side €50.2 million.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the defender has made 239 appearances and collected silverware, including the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
However, Chelsea are now open to offloading the 27-year-old, and Leicester, back in the Premier League this season, are keen to bring him back.
Sources indicate the Foxes are eyeing a loan move for Chilwell to reinforce their defensive line, which has struggled in the early stages of the campaign, leaking 12 goals so far.
Chilwell himself is said to be open to a switch, frustrated by limited opportunities at Chelsea. Despite having a contract running until 2027, the Blues are reportedly exploring options to move him on as part of their squad reshuffle.
Leicester manager Steve Cooper is closely tracking the situation ahead of the January transfer window and is understood to be a long-time admirer of the left-back.
A reunion could benefit both the Foxes and Chilwell, providing much-needed defensive solidity while giving the player regular minutes on the pitch.
Chelsea’s Changing Plans:
Chilwell had been linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer, but no deal materialised.
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made it clear that the defender was not in his long-term plans, marking a stark shift from his role under previous head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Chilwell, once Chelsea’s vice-captain under Pochettino, found himself on the periphery following Maresca’s arrival, with the Italian encouraging him to explore a transfer over the summer.
Despite being left out of the Blues’ matchday squads during the early weeks of the new campaign, Chilwell remained at the club when the summer transfer window closed. His first appearance of the season came as a substitute in a Carabao Cup clash against Barrow.
Maresca reflected on the situation after that match, stating: “In the moment we need him [Chilwell], for sure, why not? I will say again, at the moment he is with us, he is one of the Chelsea players and one of our players. If we need to, we will give him chances and minutes.
“We all make mistakes. I had to make a decision; sometimes they are good and sometimes not. There is not any bad intention from me. It was just to try and think of the best thing for the club.”
Despite his appearance against Barrow, Chilwell remains Chelsea’s third-choice left-back. Marc Cucurella is currently Maresca’s preferred option, while summer signing Renato Veiga has been installed as his deputy.
With limited opportunities in sight, a return to Leicester, even on loan, could offer Chilwell the fresh start he needs. As the January window approaches, Leicester’s interest signals a potential lifeline for the England international, whose future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt.